The Role of Judges and Juries in Civil Law Cases in the U.S.
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Have you ever wondered what judges and juries in the United States do in civil law cases? If this is the case, you are not alone. Many people are interested in how the legal system operates and what role these essential players have in resolving conflicts between parties.
In this blog article, I’ll describe the distinction between civil and criminal law, the types of civil cases in which judges and juries may be involved, and the roles and powers of each. I’ll also provide some fascinating facts and case studies from civil law that you might find surprising.
Criminal Law vs. Civil Law
Before delving into the responsibilities of judges and juries, it’s important to understand the distinction between civil and criminal law.
These are two independent branches of law that deal with different types of issues and achieve different conclusions.
What exactly is Civil Law?
The branch of law that deals with disputes between individuals, organizations, or governments is known as civil law. In contrast to criminal law, which is concerned with crimes and punishments, civil law is primarily concerned with rights and remedies.
Contracts, torts, property, family, employment, consumer, environmental, and constitutional law are all examples of civil law cases. Here are some instances of civil law cases:
- A person sues another person for hurting them in an automobile accident.
- A business sues another business for violation of contract and financial damage.
- A renter sues the landlord for failing to keep the apartment safe and habitable.
- A couple divorces, and there are disagreements about child custody, alimony, and property division.
- An employee files a lawsuit against his or her employer for discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination.
- A consumer files a lawsuit against a manufacturer for selling a defective or harmful product.
- A group of citizens files a lawsuit against the government for infringing on their constitutional rights.
- A person is charged with deceiving or harming another person for personal benefit.
- A person is charged with illegal substance possession, sale, or distribution.
- A person is accused of performing violent or sabotage acts against the state or its allies.
The primary objective of criminal law is to punish the offender for their wrongdoing and to dissuade future offenders from committing similar crimes. This can be accomplished through the imposition of punishments such as fines, jail, probation, or the death sentence.
The Role of Judges and Jurors in Civil Law Proceedings
Now that we understand the distinction between civil and criminal law, let us look at how judges and juries function in civil law matters.
Judges
Judges are appointed or elected people who have legal education and experience. They preside over the trial and ensure that all legal and evidence rules are followed. They interpret and apply the law to the facts, and they educate the jury on the pertinent legal principles. They can decide the outcome of the case if there is no jury or if the parties agree to a bench trial. They can also set aside or change a jury’s verdict if they judge it to be against the law or the evidence.
Juries
Juries are made up of persons chosen at random who have no professional legal training. They consider the evidence and arguments given by both sides and reach a decision on the facts of the case.
They follow the directions of the judge and use their common sense and judgment to reach a decision. They can only decide the case’s conclusion if the parties want a jury trial and there is a factual dispute. They cannot amend or revise their decision once it has been delivered.
How are Judges and Jurors Chosen?
The procedure for selecting judges and jurors differs according on the nature and level of the court. In general, there are two types of courts in the United States: federal and state.
The Federal Courts
The United States Constitution established federal courts, which have authority over issues concerning federal laws, treaties, and the Constitution. For life terms, federal judges are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate.
Federal juries are made up of six to twelve members chosen at random from a pool of eligible persons in the district where the case is lodged. To guarantee that federal judges and juries are fair and impartial, both are subjected to a screening and questioning process by the judge and counsel known as voir dire. Potential judges and jurors can be challenged or dismissed by the judge and counsel for a variety of reasons, including bias, conflict of interest, or hardship.
The State Courts
State courts are formed by state constitutions and legislation to hear lawsuits involving state laws or issues. For fixed terms, state judges are either appointed by the governor or elected by the voters.
State juries are made up of 6 to 12 people chosen at random from a pool of eligible individuals in the county where the case is lodged. To guarantee that state judges and juries are fair and impartial, both are subjected to a screening and questioning process by the judge and counsel known as voir dire. Potential judges and jurors can be challenged or dismissed by the judge and counsel for a variety of reasons, including bias, conflict of interest, or hardship.
Some Interesting Civil Law Facts and Case Examples
Civil law disputes can be exciting and complex, involving high stakes, contentious subjects, and well-known individuals. Here are some instances of high-profile civil law cases:
Brown v. Board of Education was decided in 1954.
This seminal decision called into question the notion of “separate but equal” and ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. It was a significant win for the civil rights movement, paving the way for desegregation and integration in the United States.
Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973.
This historic judgment established women’s freedom to have abortions under certain conditions and overturned many state laws that restricted or prohibited abortion. It was a significant triumph for the reproductive rights movement, and it triggered a fierce discussion that still rages today.
Samsung v. Apple (2012)
This was a patent infringement action involving two of the world’s largest smartphone manufacturers. Apple accused Samsung of stealing its iPhone design and functionalities, while Samsung alleged that Apple infringed on its wireless technology patents. The jury awarded Apple more than $1 billion in damages, but the case was appealed and retried many times before reaching a final settlement in 2018.
Gawker v. Hulk Hogan (2016)
The former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan filed a privacy and defamation lawsuit against the online media outlet Gawker in this case. Hogan sued Gawker for posting a sex tape of him without his permission and making disparaging remarks about him. The jury awarded Hogan $140 million in damages, forcing Gawker to declare bankruptcy and sell itself.
Conclusion
This blog post has given you a better understanding of the roles of judges and juries in civil law proceedings in the United States. As you can see, civil law is a broad and varied subject that touches many facets of our lives and society. I’m always willing to help you out.
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