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| Juror Information/Informacion de Jurado |  |
| Municipal Court Juror Information | Juror's Guide
Welcome to Jury Service. Your job as a juror is to listen to all evidence presented at trial, then "decide the facts'----decide what really happened. The Judge's job is to "decide the law"------make decisions on legal issues that come up during the trial. All must do their job well if our system of trial by jury is to work.
You do not need special knowledge or ability to do your job as a juror. It is enough that you keep an open mind, use common sense, concentrate on the evidence presented, and be fair and honest in your deliberations.
Remember: Do not be influenced by sympathy or prejudice. It is vital that you be impartial with regard to all testimony and ideas presented at the trial.
We are in hopes that you find your experience as a juror interesting and satisfying. We are very grateful for your willingness to serve.
SOME DO's and DON'TS for a juror:
DURING THE TRIAL: - DO arrive on time and DO return promptly after breaks and lunch. The trial cannot proceed until all jurors are present.
- DO pay close attention. If you cannot hear what is being said, raise your hand and let the judge know.
- DO keep an open mind all through the trial.
- DO listen carefully to the instructions read by the judge. Remember, it is your duty to accept what the judge says about the law to be applied to the case.
- DON'T try to guess what the judge thinks about the case. Remember that rulings from the judge (bench) do not reflect the judge's personal views.
- DON'T talk about the case, or issues raised by the case with anyone, -----including other jurors-----, while the trial is going on, and don't let others talk about the case in your presence, even family members. If someone insists on talking to you or another juror about the case, please report the matter to a court employee. These rules are designed to help you keep an open mind during the trial.
- DON'T talk to the lawyers, parties, or witnesses about anything. This will avoid the impression that something unfair is going on.
- DON'T try to uncover evidence on your own. Never, for example, go to the scene of an event that was part of the case you are hearing. You must decide the case only on the basis of evidence admitted in court.
- DON'T let yourself get information about the case from the news media or any other outside source. Even if news reports are accurate and complete, they cannot substitute for your own impressions about the case. If you accidentally hear outside information about the case during trial, tell a member of the court staff in private.
DURING DELIBERATION: - DO work out differences between yourself and other jurors through complete and fair discussions of the evidence and of the judge's instructions. DON'T lost your temper, try to bully, or refuse to listen to the opinions of the other jurors.
- DON'T mark or write on exhibits or otherwise change or injure them.
- DON'T try to guess what might happen if the case you have heard is appealed. Appellate courts deal only with legal questions---they will NOT change your verdict if you decided the facts based on proper evidence and instructions.
- DON'T draw straws, flip coins, or otherwise arrive at your verdict by chance, or the decision will be illegal. It is also improper for a jury to determine damage awards by averaging the amounts calculated by each individual juror.
- DON'T talk to anyone about your deliberations or about the verdict until the judge discharges the jury. After discharge, you may discuss the verdict and the deliberations with anyone, including the media, the lawyers, or your family. But, DON'T feel obligated to do so----no juror can be forced to talk without a court order.
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Calendar of Events
City Library Events
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Ongoing. Please click on the link below for information on all the City Library's great programs for children, teens and adults.
Mayor's Coffee Hours
Friday, May 25, 2012
Bring your interests, comments, concerns and praises to chat with Mayor Boudreau over coffee. Whether you are a business owner, community member or just a curious neighbor, she would love to see you there! All Coffee Hours are informal and open to the public.
Mount Vernon Farmers Market
Saturday, May 26, 2012
9am-1pm. Fresh food, live music, flowers, crafts and those Swedish Pancakes! Begin your Saturday mornings here, on the Revetment in downtown Mount Vernon.
Ward 2 Meeting
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Hillcrest Park Lodge, 1717 S. 13th Street. Please join Mayor Boudreau, Ward 2 Councilmembers Gary Molenaar and Mark Hulst, and Councilmember At-Large Dale Ragan to voice your questions, concerns or observations about the City of Mount Vernon.
Ward 3 Meeting
Monday, June 18, 2012
6:30 - 7:30 p.m., Fire Station 3, 4701 E. Division. Please join Mayor Boudreau, Ward 3 Councilmembers Bob Fiedler and Mike Urban, and Councilmember At-Large Dale Ragan to voice your questions, concerns or observations about the City of Mount Vernon.
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