Jury Trial Flashcards
Reasons to strike a juror or request a new trial.
D is correct. Although jurors may not testify about: (i) anything that occurred during the jury’s deliberations; (ii) the effect of anything on that juror’s or another juror’s vote; or (iii) any juror’s mental processes concerning the verdict or indictment, when the juror’s testimony is regarding extraneous prejudicial information or improper outside influences, such testimony is admissible and will likely be grounds for a new trial.
A is incorrect. A misunderstanding about the standard of proof by one juror is inadmissible as grounds for a new trial because a juror may not testify about the effect of anything on jury votes or mental processes concerning the verdict.
B is incorrect. The juror’s illness and desire to go home is inadmissible as grounds for a new trial because again, jurors may not testify about mental processes concerning the verdict.
C is incorrect. Relying on testimony that should have been disregarded is inadmissible evidence as grounds for a new trial, for the reasons explained above.
