|
District Clerk Home
Child Support
Contact Information
District Clerk Duties
Civil Filing Fees
Electronic Filing
Rules of Procedure
Child Protective
Services
Copy Request
FAQ's
Forms
| |
Order of
Events of the Trial
|
|
|
Open Statements:
The lawyers for each side may explain the case, the evidence they will
present, and the issues for you to decide.
Presentation Of
Evidence:
The evidence consists of the testimony of witnesses and the exhibits
allowed by the judge. Exhibits admitted into evidence will be
available to the jury for examination during deliberations. You have
a right to ask for them. You will be asked to make decisions
regarding disputed facts; therefore, your attention at all times is
critically important. Juror note taking or the use of any notes will
be determined by the judge.
Rulings By The
Judge:
The judge may be asked to decide questions of law during the trial.
Occasionally, the judge may ask jurors to leave the courtroom while the
lawyers make their legal arguments. The jurors should understand
that such interruptions are needed to make sure that their verdict is
based upon proper evidence, as determined by the judge under the Rule of
Evidence. You may give the evidence whatever weight you consider
appropriate.
Instructions To the
Jury:
At the close of all the evidence, the judge may submit to the jury the
Charge of the Court. This will include legal instructions on this
particular case and the questions that the jury is to answer from the
evidence admitted.
Closing Argument:
After the Charge of the Court, the lawyers have the opportunity to
summarize the evidence in their closing arguments and to try to persuade
the jury to accept their clients view of the case.
Deliberation And
Verdict Of The Jury:
Following closing argument, the jury is sent to deliberate. When the
jury has answered the questions asked of them, they shall return their
verdict. The verdict must be based solely on the evidence presented
by the parties, the Charge of the Court, and the rules of law provided by
the judge.
When In Doubt, Ask
The Judge:
You have the right to communicate with the judge regarding any matters
affecting your deliberations, including but not limited to:
- physical comfort;
- special needs;
- any questions regarding
evidence; or
- the Charge of the
Court.
|
During deliberation, if it becomes
necessary to communicate with the judge, the bailiff or the officer of the
court will deliver jurors' notes to the judge. The information in
this Handbook is not intended to take the place of the instructions given
by the judge in any case. In the event of conflict, the judge's
instructions will prevail.
NOTE: Not all these rules
apply in Justice and Municipal Courts.
This handbook was furnished by a grant from the Texas Bar
Foundation. For reprint information call the State Bar of Texas at
1-800-204-2222.
|
|
