chief justice
Q. Who makes the decision in court?
The judge makes a decision or the jury gives its verdict, based on the testimony and other evidence presented during trial. 8. The losing party may appeal the decision to the next higher level of the court.
Q. What decisions do judges make?
Every decision is important A judge decides if an accused gets out of jail pending trial, whether or not evidence is admissible, and how to instruct a jury regarding the law. Judges decide if someone should be sentenced to jail or prison, or placed on probation, and for how long.
Q. How do I meet a judge?
You should write a letter to the judge to whom you want to speak and if the judge is interested in meeting with you based upon the contents of your letter, the judge will contact you.
Q. Can a defendant talk to the judge?
You are prohibited from all private, or ex parte, communication with the Judge to whom your case is assigned. Because of this prohibition, a judge will refuse, with very few exceptions, to speak or otherwise communicate ex parte with any party, or that party’s attorney, to a case that is assigned to that Judge.
Q. Should a defendant speak at sentencing?
Rule 32 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure grants both the defendant and defense counsel the right to speak to the court before a sentence is imposed. As can be expected, the prosecutor’s comments will tend to highlight aggravating factors in the crime and past criminal behavior on the part of the defendant.
Q. How should you wear your hair to court?
A simple, combed style is appropriate for men and women. If you have long hair, you can tie it back or put it up. Natural colors for hair are best so plan accordingly in the months leading up to your court date. If you have a beard and/or mustache, make sure it’s trimmed or combed neatly.
Q. How do you prove you are innocent?
Witness testimony can be used to prove innocence in two ways. First, if someone else committed the crime of which you are accused, a witness may be able to testify to seeing a person fitting a different description at the scene. Second, witness testimony can be used to establish an alibi.
Q. Does the defense have to prove innocence?
But while a defendant isn’t required to prove innocence in order to avoid conviction, the prosecution doesn’t have to prove guilt to the point of absolute certainty. And despite the general rule that the prosecution bears the burden of proof, there are instances when the burden shifts to the defendant.
