AppleTreeGreen
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2023
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- 318
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I have to agree with AJ that for clarity’s sake it would be simpler to include a Not Guilty line on the slip. Sometimes people tend to read multiple-choice answer choices and assume they have to pick one of the options listed, in other words can’t have any blanks, because that it how it often is in school and taking standardized tests. Some jurors could get confused about how to demonstrate a NG verdict if they don’t see it as an option on the slip or think they misunderstood how the listed charges are defined or at first question if NG is even an option. Additional time would have to be spent explaining how to use the slips and to address anyone’s confusion whereas as a NG line could just help avoid all of that.
Also, our brains just tend to return to habit or patterns we are familiar with so people might approach the filling out of the slip the same way they did high school/college exams and not even be consciously aware of this for some time.
However, I guess if the instructions are clear or the jurors are well informed and reminded beforehand than everything tends to turn out fine. Generally though there could potentially be less confusion among the jurors or worry and concern on the part of the lawyers and the court about making sure jurors know how to fill in the slips appropriately if more courts implemented AJ’s suggestion in the future though.
Also, our brains just tend to return to habit or patterns we are familiar with so people might approach the filling out of the slip the same way they did high school/college exams and not even be consciously aware of this for some time.
However, I guess if the instructions are clear or the jurors are well informed and reminded beforehand than everything tends to turn out fine. Generally though there could potentially be less confusion among the jurors or worry and concern on the part of the lawyers and the court about making sure jurors know how to fill in the slips appropriately if more courts implemented AJ’s suggestion in the future though.