Jury Trial

At trial, the selected jury weighs the evidence and decides guilt or innocence. But the fairness of that decision depends heavily on every step that came before—who got summoned, who was excused, who was struck. Jurors also bring their own biases, experiences, and assumptions to the deliberation room.

Key Topics:

  • Representativeness of the seated jury

  • Jury instructions and bias mitigation

  • Jury nullification

Key Resources:

  • Instruction Samples:

    • Bias-conscious jury instructions

    • Nullification language in state-specific guidance

  • Research:

    • Studies on jury diversity and outcomes

    • NACDL commentary on judicial control of jury deliberations

  • Advocacy:

    • Push for inclusion of implicit bias instructions

    • Reform to allow juror discussion of potential punishment or systemic context

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