Final Motions After all the evidence has been presented and the jury has left the courtroom, either side may move for a directed verdict. If the motion is granted the […]
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Instructions to the Jury The judge instructs the jury about the relevant laws that should guide its deliberations. (In some jurisdictions, the court may instruct the jury at any time
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Different Treatment for Different Folks Grade Level: Middle Overview: The lesson begins with an illustration of the “separate but equal” doctrine – two water fountains are depicted, one labeled “colored”
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This lesson teaches the importance of being informed, forming opinions, and advocating for those opinions to our country’s political life. Students will understand what it means to take a stand and why it is important for citizens to do so for an important issue.
Connecting the Separation of Powers Grade Level: Upper Elementary Overview: In this lesson, students will gain an understanding of the separation of powers using role playing and discussion. Students will
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Mistrials Mistrials are trials that are not successfully completed. They’re terminated and declared void before the jury returns a verdict or the judge renders his or her decision in a
Jury Deliberations After receiving the instructions and hearing the final arguments, the jury retires to the jury room to begin deliberating. In most states the first order of business is
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Verdict After reaching a decision, the jury notifies the bailiff, who notifies the judge. All of the participants reconvene in the courtroom and the decision is announced. The announcement may
Motions after Verdict Motions permitted after a verdict is announced differ from state to state. A motion in arrest of judgment questions the sufficiency of the indictment or information in a criminal
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