[00:00:00] Speaker 01:  Questions, your understanding of the orientation material is very important to you while you
[00:00:06] Speaker 01:  serve as a juror.
[00:00:07] Speaker 01:  If you have any questions about anything in this orientation presentation, please contact
[00:00:12] Speaker 01:  the jury management office at WRNJURY.MAILBOX at NJCOURTS.GOV or 908-750-8100 ext. 13010.
[00:00:37] Speaker 02:  Welcome to the on-demand virtual orientation for jurors in Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren
[00:00:41] Speaker 02:  Counties.
[00:00:42] Speaker 02:  I am Judge Michael Crescitello, the Assignment Judge of Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties.
[00:00:49] Speaker 02:  On behalf of Chief Justice Stuart Rabner and the entire New Jersey Judiciary, thank you
[00:00:55] Speaker 02:  for your time and attention to this orientation.
[00:00:58] Speaker 02:  And thank you in advance if you were chosen to report for selection.
[00:01:03] Unknown:  This orientation video explains the process, including your rights and responsibilities,
[00:01:10] Speaker 02:  and the critical role you may play in deciding a civil or criminal case.
[00:01:15] Speaker 02:  It provides necessary information about what is expected of you as a juror.
[00:01:20] Speaker 02:  Your willingness to engage in your constitutional duty, that some consider to be the most fundamental
[00:01:26] Speaker 02:  obligation of citizenship, is very much appreciated by all of us in the judiciary.
[00:01:33] Speaker 02:  It truly takes a special type of person, like yourself, to step forward to serve community
[00:01:39] Unknown:  willingly.
[00:01:41] Speaker 02:  Your service as a juror is important.
[00:01:44] Speaker 02:  The involvement of jurors from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives enriches the
[00:01:51] Speaker 02:  deliberative process and upholds public confidence in the administration of justice.
[00:01:58] Speaker 02:  Your participation ensures that justice is done.
[00:02:02] Speaker 02:  Service as a juror is a vital part of our justice system, and your contribution ensures
[00:02:07] Speaker 02:  fairness in the outcome of matters before the court.
[00:02:12] Speaker 02:  Juries uphold and strengthen the core values of our community.
[00:02:17] Speaker 02:  Thank you for taking this time to learn about the jury process.
[00:02:21] Speaker 02:  The New Jersey Judiciary is grateful for your participation.
[00:02:26] Speaker 01:  Thank you.
[00:02:27] Speaker 01:  The New Jersey Judiciary and Somerset, Hunterdon, Warren, Vicinage, thank you very much for
[00:02:32] Speaker 01:  your willingness to serve as a juror and for helping the judiciary continue to provide
[00:02:36] Speaker 01:  this vital function of our democracy.
[00:02:39] Speaker 01:  Your role in the justice process.
[00:02:42] Speaker 01:  The New Jersey Judiciary appreciates your time and patience during the jury selection process.
[00:02:47] Speaker 01:  Your service may include periods of waiting while the judge and parties address important
[00:02:51] Speaker 01:  aspects related to fairness.
[00:02:54] Speaker 01:  How jurors are selected.
[00:02:57] Speaker 01:  The judiciary is legally required to use three sources to create the master jury list.
[00:03:02] Speaker 01:  New Jersey Division of Taxation Records, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Records, and
[00:03:07] Speaker 01:  County Board of Elections Voter Registrations.
[00:03:12] Speaker 01:  Qualification requirements.
[00:03:14] Speaker 01:  The New Jersey law establishes six criteria for a person to qualify for jury service.
[00:03:19] Speaker 01:  Be a resident of the county which you were summoned.
[00:03:22] Speaker 01:  Be a citizen of the United States.
[00:03:24] Speaker 01:  Be at least 18 years old.
[00:03:26] Speaker 01:  Be able to read and understand English.
[00:03:29] Speaker 01:  Be physically and mentally able to perform the functions of the juror.
[00:03:33] Speaker 01:  The judiciary will provide accommodations consistent with the Americans with Disabilities
[00:03:38] Speaker 01:  Act and have no conviction for an indictable offense.
[00:03:43] Speaker 01:  Term of service.
[00:03:44] Speaker 01:  The term of service is for one trial or as indicated on the summons.
[00:03:49] Speaker 01:  The judge will specify the expected time that the trial will last.
[00:03:53] Speaker 01:  If selected, jurors serve for the length of time as specified by the judge.
[00:03:58] Speaker 01:  ADA accommodations.
[00:04:00] Speaker 01:  The New Jersey judiciary will, with advance notice, provide accommodations consistent
[00:04:05] Speaker 01:  with the ADA.
[00:04:07] Speaker 01:  Please see jury management office staff if you would like to request an accommodation.
[00:04:12] Speaker 01:  Juror badges.
[00:04:14] Speaker 01:  Jurors must wear their badges at all times while in the courthouse.
[00:04:18] Speaker 01:  Electronic devices.
[00:04:20] Speaker 01:  Jurors are asked to keep their phones on silent when jury management staff or the judge is
[00:04:24] Unknown:  speaking.
[00:04:26] Speaker 01:  Outside research is not permitted.
[00:04:29] Speaker 01:  The judge will explain in detail that jurors must not conduct any research regarding any
[00:04:34] Speaker 01:  information about the trial.
[00:04:36] Speaker 01:  This means that jurors must not research any aspect of the case, including the participants
[00:04:41] Speaker 01:  in the trial, through any means, whether electronic, including the internet and social media, or
[00:04:47] Speaker 01:  otherwise.
[00:04:48] Speaker 01:  Jurors who violate this directive will be reported to the judge for further action.
[00:04:54] Speaker 01:  Social media free zone.
[00:04:56] Speaker 01:  Please do not discuss any aspect of your Pettit jury service with anyone on social media,
[00:05:01] Speaker 01:  by text, or by email until your Pettit service has ended.
[00:05:05] Speaker 01:  Grand jurors should never discuss any aspect of their service.
[00:05:10] Speaker 01:  Your day as a juror.
[00:05:12] Speaker 01:  Please report at the time instructed.
[00:05:14] Speaker 01:  Reporting times will be emailed by the day prior to service at 5 p.m.
[00:05:19] Speaker 01:  In addition to email, they can be found on njcourts.gov slash jurors, or by calling 908-750-8088.
[00:05:36] Speaker 01:  Jurors daily fee is set by law at $5.
[00:05:39] Speaker 01:  In addition to that daily fee, the law requires that Pettit jurors receive an additional $35
[00:05:45] Speaker 01:  per day starting on their fourth consecutive day of service and each day after.
[00:05:50] Speaker 01:  Payroll for jurors is typically processed every Friday.
[00:05:54] Speaker 01:  Checks are generally mailed two weeks from the date of processing.
[00:05:59] Speaker 01:  Breaks for on-site jurors.
[00:06:01] Speaker 01:  The judge, courtroom, or jury staff will let you know when to take breaks or lunch.
[00:06:06] Speaker 01:  During breaks and lunch, jurors should avoid discussing the case or any of its details.
[00:06:12] Speaker 01:  Water coolers along with other refreshments are available for jurors.
[00:06:16] Speaker 01:  Jurors are welcome to bring their own food and drink to jury service.
[00:06:19] Speaker 01:  Restrooms are located outside the jury assembly room in all lobbies and deliberation rooms.
[00:06:25] Unknown:  In the courtroom.
[00:06:27] Speaker 01:  Once you are assigned to a courtroom for jury selection, the judge will give you information
[00:06:31] Speaker 01:  about the trial schedule.
[00:06:33] Speaker 01:  All prospective jurors who have been challenged, excused, or dismissed during selection will
[00:06:38] Speaker 01:  report to jury management unless instructed otherwise.
[00:06:43] Unknown:  Attendance letter.
[00:06:44] Speaker 01:  Jurors can access their attendance letter from the MyJuryService portal after each day
[00:06:49] Unknown:  of service.
[00:06:50] Speaker 01:  If you did not submit your questionnaire through the juror portal and need a copy of your attendance
[00:06:55] Speaker 01:  letter, please notify the jury management office.
[00:06:59] Unknown:  Parking.
[00:07:01] Speaker 01:  Jury parking is located around the courthouse and surrounding areas.
[00:07:05] Speaker 01:  Parking is available in the lot located on Mansfield Street between the church and the
[00:07:09] Speaker 01:  Cummins Building, 202 Mansfield Street.
[00:07:14] Speaker 01:  Please be aware of areas marked with a two-hour time limit.
[00:07:31] Speaker 03:  If you are watching this video, that means you have been summoned for jury duty.
[00:07:37] Speaker 03:  For some, the first reaction to seeing that summons is how inconvenient it will be to
[00:07:41] Speaker 03:  serve as a juror.
[00:07:43] Speaker 03:  After all, jury duty conflicts with everyday obligations we have at work and home.
[00:07:48] Speaker 03:  It interrupts the flow of our lives.
[00:07:50] Speaker 03:  Hold that thought for a moment and step back from the process temporarily so that we can
[00:07:55] Speaker 03:  appreciate how lucky we are to be able to think of jury service in that light.
[00:08:00] Speaker 03:  For centuries all throughout the world, people have fought for one of the most fundamental
[00:08:04] Speaker 03:  rights known to all of us, the right to be judged by a jury of one's peers, not by
[00:08:09] Speaker 03:  tyrants or dictators or professional jurists, but by our fellow citizens, by members of
[00:08:16] Unknown:  our community.
[00:08:17] Speaker 03:  Even today, people in foreign lands strive for that basic element of any system of justice.
[00:08:23] Speaker 03:  We are fortunate to be able to take for granted the privilege enshrined in our federal and
[00:08:28] Speaker 03:  state constitutions, both of which guarantee the right to trial by jury.
[00:08:34] Speaker 03:  Along with that right and privilege comes responsibility.
[00:08:38] Speaker 03:  So when friends have asked me from time to time how they might get out of jury duty,
[00:08:42] Speaker 03:  my answer is always the same.
[00:08:44] Speaker 03:  We are lucky to live in a society that asks us to perform this basic duty of citizenship,
[00:08:50] Speaker 03:  and we must all serve when called, or the system we value will not work.
[00:08:55] Speaker 03:  I want to thank you for appearing today as a potential juror.
[00:08:58] Speaker 03:  I hope that your service will be meaningful and rewarding.
[00:09:01] Speaker 03:  While it may be inconvenient in some respects, you have every right to be proud of your contribution
[00:09:07] Speaker 03:  to the cause of justice.
[00:09:15] Speaker 04:  Many things have changed about America since the Constitution was signed, but our basic
[00:09:20] Speaker 04:  trial process is essentially the same now as it has been for more than two centuries.
[00:09:26] Speaker 04:  Today, as always, you, the juror, are the mainstay of American justice.
[00:09:32] Speaker 04:  We depend on your sense of fairness, your attention to duty and detail, your human experience.
[00:09:38] Speaker 04:  You and a million other Americans will judge more than 120,000 cases this year.
[00:09:44] Speaker 04:  And although each one is different, there are certain people and procedures that are
[00:09:49] Speaker 04:  the same for every trial.
[00:09:51] Speaker 04:  We're going to show you, step by step, what you can expect.
[00:09:55] Speaker 04:  As a juror, you may be selected for a civil trial or for a criminal trial.
[00:10:00] Speaker 04:  A civil trial is among parties who have a dispute and need the court system to resolve
[00:10:04] Speaker 04:  it.
[00:10:05] Speaker 04:  A criminal trial deals with charges that a crime has been committed.
[00:10:09] Speaker 04:  In both cases, the one who initiates the case is called the plaintiff.
[00:10:14] Speaker 04:  The one who responds to the plaintiff's case is the defendant.
[00:10:18] Speaker 04:  And both sides are usually represented by attorneys.
[00:10:21] Speaker 04:  Depending on the type of case, the way we refer to the attorney for the plaintiff varies.
[00:10:26] Speaker 04:  In a civil trial, it's easy.
[00:10:28] Speaker 04:  We simply say the plaintiff's attorney.
[00:10:31] Speaker 04:  In a criminal trial, the state of New Jersey is actually the plaintiff.
[00:10:35] Speaker 04:  In this case, we call the attorney for the plaintiff the prosecutor.
[00:10:40] Speaker 04:  Your first encounter with the courtroom will be during the jury selection process.
[00:10:45] Speaker 05:  Roger Casella, please take seat number 7 in the upper row.
[00:10:51] Speaker 05:  Megan Baxter, seat number 8, top row next to the last juror.
[00:10:59] Speaker 04:  This is called voir dire, which is French for speak the truth.
[00:11:03] Speaker 04:  The person responsible for swearing in the jury and witnesses as well as marking exhibits
[00:11:08] Speaker 04:  is the court clerk.
[00:11:09] Speaker 04:  If sound recording equipment is being used to make the trial record, the clerk may also
[00:11:14] Speaker 04:  handle that equipment or it may be sound recorded by a special operator or video recorded.
[00:11:20] Speaker 04:  When a trial is not being recorded by sound or video, you'll see a court reporter keeping
[00:11:25] Speaker 04:  the record.
[00:11:26] Speaker 04:  You may also see a sheriff's officer who maintains security and enforces decorum in the courtroom
[00:11:32] Speaker 04:  and a court aide who is responsible for assisting with the proceedings.
[00:11:37] Speaker 06:  Ladies and gentlemen, as I mentioned in the beginning, I'll be asking you a series of
[00:11:41] Speaker 06:  questions.
[00:11:42] Speaker 06:  Please think carefully about your answers before you give them.
[00:11:46] Speaker 06:  Those of you still seated in the gallery, please also carefully consider how you would
[00:11:49] Speaker 06:  answer them.
[00:11:51] Speaker 06:  You may be directed to replace a seated juror who may have been excused.
[00:11:55] Speaker 06:  It's important to always keep in mind that the court and the parties in this case have
[00:11:59] Speaker 06:  a right to select what they believe to be an impartial jury.
[00:12:04] Speaker 04:  The judge questions the jurors during the voir dire to see if there's any reason why
[00:12:08] Speaker 04:  a particular juror may not be impartial.
[00:12:11] Speaker 04:  During the actual trial, the judge conducts the proceedings, ruling on questions of evidence
[00:12:17] Speaker 04:  and instructing the jury on the law.
[00:12:20] Speaker 06:  Ms. Laura Gallagher, who's seated at the table nearest you, has sued the defendant, Mr. Benjamin
[00:12:26] Speaker 06:  Edwards, claiming injuries arising from an accident on September 10th of last year at
[00:12:31] Speaker 06:  the corner of Oak and Main Streets in Mapleton.
[00:12:34] Speaker 06:  Both the plaintiff, Ms. Laura Gallagher, and the defendant, Mr. Edwards, are being represented
[00:12:39] Speaker 06:  by attorneys, who will introduce themselves to you in a moment.
[00:12:42] Speaker 06:  The purpose of what we're doing now is to choose a jury, so let's begin.
[00:12:48] Speaker 04:  This voir dire is for a civil trial.
[00:12:51] Speaker 04:  The judge is explaining the case to the prospective jurors.
[00:12:55] Speaker 04:  Jurors may be given a printed list of the questions that will be asked during jury selection
[00:12:59] Speaker 04:  in this trial.
[00:13:01] Speaker 04:  The jurors will also be informed of the names of parties, attorneys, and witnesses who are
[00:13:06] Speaker 04:  involved in the trial.
[00:13:08] Speaker 04:  If it were a criminal case, the judge would explain the charges against the defendant.
[00:13:13] Speaker 06:  Do any of you know the defendant in this case?
[00:13:16] Unknown:  If so, please raise your hand.
[00:13:20] Speaker 06:  The record will show no affirmative response.
[00:13:23] Speaker 04:  The voir dire relies on one very important factor, that each juror will give honest and
[00:13:29] Speaker 04:  complete answers.
[00:13:31] Speaker 06:  The persons whose names are shown on the witness list will be called to testify in this trial.
[00:13:37] Speaker 06:  Witnesses are Jody Thompson, Kareem Asad, Officer John Carter, Dr. Victoria Ryan, and
[00:13:45] Speaker 06:  Michelle Sudikoff.
[00:13:46] Speaker 06:  Do you think you know any of these people?
[00:13:50] Speaker 06:  Ms. Rivera?
[00:13:51] Speaker 07:  I work at Mercy Hospital, and Dr. Ryan is on staff there.
[00:13:55] Speaker 06:  Do you work with her?
[00:13:56] Speaker 07:  We haven't actually worked together, but I've certainly heard a lot about her.
[00:14:00] Speaker 08:  Your Honor, I move to have Ms. Rivera excused for cause due to her previous relationship
[00:14:05] Unknown:  with Dr. Ryan.
[00:14:06] Speaker 04:  The defense attorney is asking the judge to dismiss this particular juror because she
[00:14:11] Speaker 04:  knows one of the witnesses in this case.
[00:14:14] Speaker 04:  When it appears a juror may not be completely impartial, either side's attorney can move
[00:14:19] Speaker 04:  for dismissal.
[00:14:20] Speaker 04:  This is called dismissal for cause.
[00:14:23] Speaker 06:  Ms. Rivera, you may be excused.
[00:14:25] Unknown:  Please call another juror.
[00:14:28] Speaker 05:  Andrew Willis, please take seat number three.
[00:14:33] Speaker 04:  The attorneys are also allowed to have a juror dismissed without giving a reason.
[00:14:38] Speaker 04:  This is called a peremptory challenge.
[00:14:40] Speaker 04:  Both sides are allowed only a limited number of peremptory challenges.
[00:14:44] Speaker 04:  If you're excused for cause or on a peremptory, don't be offended.
[00:14:48] Speaker 04:  This is just the system working the way it was intended to.
[00:14:52] Unknown:  Please rise.
[00:14:56] Speaker 05:  Raise your right hand.
[00:14:57] Speaker 05:  Do you swear or affirm that you will try the matter in dispute?
[00:15:02] Speaker 04:  The number of jurors needed depends on whether it's a civil or criminal case, so don't be
[00:15:07] Speaker 04:  surprised to see empty seats in the jury box.
[00:15:10] Speaker 04:  In either case, the court often seats more jurors than needed so that there will be a
[00:15:14] Speaker 04:  sufficient number of jurors in the event that a juror is unable to finish the trial.
[00:15:20] Speaker 04:  It may be necessary for the trial judge to randomly designate alternate jurors prior
[00:15:25] Speaker 04:  to deliberations.
[00:15:27] Speaker 05:  And give a true verdict according to the evidence.
[00:15:30] Unknown:  We do.
[00:15:32] Unknown:  Please be seated.
[00:15:34] Speaker 04:  With the jury selected, the trial is ready to begin.
[00:15:38] Speaker 04:  In both civil and criminal trials, you will hear testimony from the people who have knowledge
[00:15:42] Speaker 04:  of the facts in the case, the witnesses, but first you'll hear from both sides' attorneys.
[00:15:49] Unknown:  Thank you, Your Honor.
[00:15:52] Speaker 09:  This case is about an accident caused by the defendant.
[00:15:55] Speaker 09:  An accident that was no fault of the plaintiff.
[00:16:00] Speaker 04:  This is called the opening statement.
[00:16:02] Speaker 04:  The side bringing the suit or making the charges goes first.
[00:16:06] Speaker 04:  The defendant's attorney then gets an opportunity to outline their case.
[00:16:11] Speaker 08:  As is always the situation, there are two sides to every story.
[00:16:15] Speaker 08:  This case is no exception.
[00:16:19] Speaker 04:  It's important to keep in mind that the opening statement is not evidence in itself.
[00:16:24] Speaker 04:  Rather, it is simply an overview of the case that the attorneys will be presenting.
[00:16:30] Speaker 04:  Some items of evidence are physical exhibits.
[00:16:33] Speaker 04:  These are introduced and explained by the party who is offering them.
[00:16:37] Speaker 04:  Then they are labeled by the clerk.
[00:16:39] Speaker 04:  You'll probably be invited to examine them during the trial.
[00:16:43] Speaker 04:  But most of the evidence will be in the form of testimony from witnesses.
[00:16:47] Speaker 04:  Both sides are allowed to call witnesses and to question the opposition's witnesses.
[00:16:53] Speaker 09:  Ms. Thompson, do you own a cafe at the corner of Oak and Main Streets?
[00:16:57] Unknown:  Yes, sir.
[00:16:59] Speaker 09:  Have you had the opportunity to observe the traffic pattern at that intersection at or
[00:17:03] Speaker 09:  around 1.30 in the afternoon on a weekday?
[00:17:06] Speaker 10:  Yes, sir.
[00:17:07] Speaker 10:  All the time.
[00:17:08] Speaker 10:  That's the time I'm usually coming back from my walk after lunch.
[00:17:13] Speaker 09:  It's a messy intersection, isn't it?
[00:17:15] Speaker 09:  With people constantly trying to beat the light.
[00:17:19] Speaker 08:  Objection, Your Honor.
[00:17:21] Unknown:  Leading the witness.
[00:17:22] Unknown:  Please approach the bench.
[00:17:25] Speaker 04:  Now that's something you may see a lot of.
[00:17:27] Speaker 04:  The attorney on one side may ask or state something that the other attorney thinks is
[00:17:32] Speaker 04:  unfair.
[00:17:33] Speaker 04:  So, you'll hear, objection.
[00:17:35] Speaker 04:  And the judge may often call the attorneys up to explain themselves in private rather
[00:17:39] Speaker 04:  than letting a disagreement affect the jury.
[00:17:42] Speaker 04:  Depending on what the judge decides, you might hear the rest of that testimony because
[00:17:47] Speaker 04:  the objection was overruled.
[00:17:49] Speaker 04:  Or you might hear something like this.
[00:17:53] Speaker 06:  Objection sustained.
[00:17:54] Speaker 06:  Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, please disregard the characterization of the intersection in
[00:17:58] Speaker 06:  the previous question.
[00:18:00] Speaker 06:  Counselor, you may continue.
[00:18:02] Unknown:  Yes, Your Honor.
[00:18:04] Speaker 09:  Ms. Thompson, in your own words, could you describe the amount of traffic at that time
[00:18:09] Unknown:  of day?
[00:18:11] Speaker 04:  Not only should you listen carefully to what each witness is saying, you should watch carefully
[00:18:16] Unknown:  as well.
[00:18:18] Speaker 05:  Please raise your right hand.
[00:18:20] Speaker 05:  Do you swear or affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
[00:18:25] Unknown:  I will.
[00:18:26] Unknown:  Take the stand, please.
[00:18:29] Speaker 04:  Mannerisms and expressions might tell you how confident the witness is about what he
[00:18:33] Speaker 04:  or she is saying.
[00:18:34] Speaker 09:  Dr. Ryan, I direct your attention to what has been marked for identification as Plaintiff's
[00:18:40] Speaker 09:  Exhibit 5.
[00:18:41] Speaker 09:  Do you recognize it?
[00:18:43] Speaker 11:  Yes.
[00:18:44] Speaker 11:  That's a larger version of a drawing I did for the police right after the accident.
[00:18:49] Speaker 09:  And does Plaintiff's Exhibit 5 accurately depict the location of the two cars in the
[00:18:54] Speaker 09:  intersection at the time you observed them?
[00:18:57] Speaker 11:  Yes.
[00:18:58] Speaker 11:  The blue rectangle shows where the blue car was, and the red rectangle shows the location
[00:19:02] Speaker 11:  of the red car.
[00:19:03] Speaker 09:  Your Honor, Plaintiff moves Exhibit 5 into evidence.
[00:19:07] Unknown:  Any objection?
[00:19:09] Unknown:  No objection, Your Honor.
[00:19:11] Speaker 06:  Exhibit 5 in evidence.
[00:19:13] Speaker 04:  Nothing further of this witness, Your Honor.
[00:19:15] Speaker 04:  We've all watched TV courtroom dramas.
[00:19:18] Speaker 04:  The real thing isn't always so sensational, but it's always important.
[00:19:22] Speaker 04:  And not only do you need to pay close attention to what goes on inside the courtroom, you
[00:19:27] Speaker 04:  need to be careful about what happens when you're outside the courtroom as well.
[00:19:32] Speaker 06:  We will recess for lunch and resume in one hour.
[00:19:35] Speaker 06:  Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as you can understand, this matter is important to
[00:19:39] Speaker 06:  all parties, and each is entitled to your fair and full consideration.
[00:19:45] Speaker 06:  Please refrain from discussing the case with anyone, even fellow jurors.
[00:19:48] Speaker 06:  There will be ample time to talk over the issues at the appropriate time, I assure you.
[00:19:53] Unknown:  I'll see you after lunch.
[00:19:56] Speaker 04:  When the court recesses, whether for lunch or until the next day, the judge will remind
[00:20:01] Speaker 04:  you not to discuss the case with anyone else.
[00:20:04] Speaker 04:  This includes family, friends, even fellow jurors.
[00:20:08] Speaker 04:  You should particularly avoid talking with or even overhearing anyone involved in the
[00:20:13] Speaker 04:  case.
[00:20:14] Speaker 04:  While in the courthouse, wear your juror badge.
[00:20:17] Speaker 04:  This will warn people not to discuss the case near you.
[00:20:21] Speaker 04:  If you believe someone has purposely tried to talk to you about the case, you must bring
[00:20:26] Speaker 04:  it to the court's attention immediately.
[00:20:29] Speaker 04:  Despite what you may have seen in the movies, it is not the juror's role to investigate
[00:20:34] Speaker 04:  the case.
[00:20:35] Speaker 04:  That means you should not visit the scene of the crime or an accident, not attempt to
[00:20:40] Speaker 04:  talk to witnesses on your own, or pay attention to media accounts regarding the trial.
[00:20:47] Speaker 05:  All rise.
[00:20:48] Unknown:  Be seated.
[00:20:49] Speaker 06:  You may call your next witness.
[00:20:55] Speaker 08:  Thank you, Your Honor.
[00:20:56] Speaker 08:  I'd like to call Kareem Asad to the stand.
[00:20:59] Speaker 04:  The attorneys in the case will present their entire case to you.
[00:21:04] Speaker 04:  Only what you hear and see in the courtroom is what you should use in your deliberations.
[00:21:09] Speaker 04:  After all the evidence has been presented, the attorneys give their closing statements.
[00:21:15] Speaker 08:  And I'm sure you'll find that my client did not cause this accident and that the plaintiff's
[00:21:21] Speaker 08:  claims have no merit.
[00:21:23] Unknown:  Thank you.
[00:21:25] Speaker 04:  Like the opening statements, the closing statements are not themselves evidence.
[00:21:30] Speaker 04:  They are each attorney's summation of the case as he or she has presented it.
[00:21:35] Speaker 09:  What we have seen and heard demonstrates quite clearly that this accident occurred because
[00:21:39] Speaker 09:  of and could have been prevented by the defendant.
[00:21:45] Speaker 09:  His actions and inactions have caused damage to my client's property and her person as
[00:21:50] Unknown:  the evidence has shown.
[00:21:52] Unknown:  Thank you.
[00:21:54] Speaker 06:  Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you have now heard all the evidence in the case.
[00:21:59] Speaker 06:  And it's my job to give you the law that you must apply to the facts as you find them.
[00:22:04] Speaker 06:  Remember, you are the judges of the facts, but I am the judge of the law.
[00:22:10] Speaker 06:  Even if you disagree with some of the legal principles, which I am going to tell you,
[00:22:14] Speaker 06:  you must apply the law as I give it to you to the facts as you will find them.
[00:22:19] Speaker 04:  After closing arguments, the judge will give you careful and detailed instructions about
[00:22:24] Speaker 04:  how the law applies to the case you are considering and precisely what you will have to decide.
[00:22:31] Speaker 04:  You will then be escorted to the deliberation room to discuss your case in full confidentiality.
[00:22:37] Speaker 04:  Any alternate jurors will not participate in the deliberations.
[00:22:42] Speaker 04:  Once the required number of jurors agrees on a verdict, you will be escorted back to
[00:22:46] Speaker 04:  the courtroom to announce your decision.
[00:22:50] Speaker 06:  Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have you reached a verdict?
[00:22:52] Speaker 06:  Yes, Your Honor, we have.
[00:22:55] Speaker 06:  We find in favor of...
[00:22:57] Speaker 04:  It's going on just like this in courtrooms all around the country, as it has for more
[00:23:02] Speaker 04:  than 200 years.
[00:23:05] Speaker 04:  Being called for jury duty may be inconvenient at times.
[00:23:08] Speaker 04:  The legal process may seem a bit slow, but our system of justice is the finest and fairest
[00:23:14] Speaker 04:  in the world because of you, the juror.
[00:23:25] Speaker 12:  Hello, I'm Christine Merzdek, Jury Manager for Warren County.
[00:23:29] Speaker 12:  I want to extend a warm welcome as you begin on this important journey of serving as a
[00:23:33] Speaker 12:  juror in our justice system.
[00:23:35] Speaker 12:  Thank you for your commitment to civic duty.
[00:23:37] Speaker 12:  Your role as jurors is not only a vital component of our democracy, but also a testament to
[00:23:42] Speaker 12:  your dedication to a fair and just society.
[00:23:46] Speaker 12:  We are immensely grateful for your service.
[00:23:48] Speaker 12:  Our dedicated staff and I are looking forward to meeting you if you are selected for a trial.
[00:23:53] Speaker 12:  If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the orientation or your service,
[00:23:58] Speaker 12:  please don't hesitate to contact us.
[00:24:00] Speaker 12:  Our contact information will be provided on the screen at the conclusion of this message.
[00:24:05] Speaker 12:  Once again, thank you for your service.
[00:24:08] Speaker 01:  Certifying Orientation Using the Paper Questionnaire.
[00:24:12] Speaker 01:  If you are confirming your service using the paper questionnaire, check the box on
[00:24:16] Speaker 01:  the bottom right corner that states you have completed orientation and return your questionnaire.
[00:24:22] Speaker 01:  Certifying Orientation Using MyJuryService Portal.
[00:24:26] Speaker 01:  Return to the MyJuryService portal, click the Not Completed tile and certify to change
[00:24:31] Speaker 01:  the tile to Completed.
[00:24:33] Speaker 01:  Once completed, you may exit MyJuryService.
[00:24:37] Speaker 01:  Your orientation is now complete.
[00:24:39] Speaker 01:  You will receive instructions about reporting for jury service closer to the date you are
[00:24:43] Speaker 01:  summoned.
[00:24:44] Speaker 01:  Thank you for your service.