What does it mean to charge a jury?
Asked by: Noemi Purdy MD | Last update: February 23, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (66 votes)
To "charge a jury" means the judge instructs the jurors on the applicable laws, legal standards (like burden of proof), definitions, and their duties before they begin deliberations to reach a verdict, essentially guiding them on how to apply the law to the facts of the case. This "charge" ensures jurors understand the legal framework, essential elements of the offense/claim, and their role as sole judges of the facts, distinct from lawyers' arguments.
What does it mean to charge the jury?
During a Supreme Court judge and jury trial, the charge to the jury is the instructions given to the jury by the judge which summarize the case and explain the law, enabling the jury to apply the law to the facts of the case.
What are jury charges?
Jury instructions, also known as charges or directions, are a set of legal guidelines given by a judge to a jury in a court of law. They are an important procedural step in a trial by jury, and as such are a cornerstone of criminal process in many common law countries.
What disqualifies you from jury duty in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, jury duty exemptions aren't automatic for most, but you can be excused by a judge for health issues, primary caregiving responsibilities (especially for children or the elderly), being 80 or older (voluntary), or undue hardship like extreme travel/financial burden; however, occupation (doctors, teachers, etc.) isn't an exemption, and you must request excusal to the court for specific conflicts or hardships.
What does charge mean in legal terms?
In criminal cases, a charge is a formal accusation of criminal activity. The prosecuting attorney decides on the charges, after reviewing police reports, witness statements, and any other evidence of wrongdoing.
What is the Jury Charge?
What happens when being charged?
If you're charged with a crime you'll be given a 'charge sheet'. This sets out the details of the crime you're being charged with. The police will decide if you: can be released from police custody until the court hearing - but you might have to follow certain rules, known as 'bail'
What is a charge in simple terms?
In simple terms, charge is a fundamental property of matter that makes things attract or repel each other, like positive (+) and negative (-) forces, similar to magnets, but for tiny particles like electrons and protons; it also means to ask for money (a "charge") or to formally accuse someone of a crime. Think of it as a built-in "stickiness" or "pushiness" that particles have, causing electrical forces, or the price you pay for something.
What is the best excuse to avoid jury duty?
The best ways to get out of jury duty involve seeking official exemptions for valid reasons like age (over 70/75), medical conditions (with a doctor's note), primary childcare (under 6), or financial hardship (demonstrable income loss), or requesting a deferral online or by mail with supporting documents. During selection (voir dire), be honest about biases or situations (like family tragedy, travel) that prevent impartiality, as attorneys often excuse jurors who openly struggle with fairness, but avoid outright lying, which can backfire.
Can you go to jail for missing jury duty in Arkansas?
You may be required to appear before the presiding Judge to show cause why you did not appear as summoned. You could be fined, given community service or be placed in jail for not appearing.
Is it rare to be picked for jury duty?
Yes, being chosen for a jury is relatively rare, as most people summoned are dismissed, and many never get called at all; roughly 15% of adults get a summons, but only a small fraction (around 5%) end up serving on a final jury after being questioned in voir dire. The process involves many disqualifications (ineligibility, hardship), cancellations, and lawyers removing potential jurors, meaning only a few from a large initial pool actually get sworn in.
Who is more powerful, a judge or a jury?
Neither the jury nor the judge is universally "more powerful"; they have distinct roles, but in most criminal trials, the jury holds the ultimate power to decide guilt or innocence (the verdict), while the judge controls the legal process, determines what evidence is admitted, and imposes the sentence. The jury acts as the finder of fact and applies the law as instructed, but the judge ensures fairness, manages evidence (ruling on objections), and interprets the law, making them powerful in shaping the trial's direction and outcome.
What are two things jurors should never do?
Jurors should never discuss the case with anyone outside the jury (including family/friends) or conduct their own investigation, like visiting the scene or looking up info online, as the verdict must be based solely on courtroom evidence; these actions risk introducing bias and jeopardizing the trial's fairness. Another critical "never" is to decide by chance, such as by flipping coins, which makes a verdict illegal.
What happens if you fall asleep during jury duty?
If you fall asleep during jury duty, the judge can have you woken up, repeated information, or even dismiss you and replace you with an alternate juror, potentially leading to a mistrial or new trial if you missed crucial evidence, though a short nap might just result in being gently roused, while repeated offenses or missing significant testimony can lead to being removed or even facing contempt of court.
How much does Arkansas pay for jury duty?
The attendance fee is $50.00 per day. Federal employees are paid an attendance fee only during the hours they would not be at work.
Do judges charge the jury?
A jury is entitled to know what it is doing by its verdict. As such, it is satisfying in charging a jury to explain fully and completely the legal principles involved in a case, the rights and duties of the parties, and the facts that the jury must deduct from the evidence presented to reach a verdict.
What is the juror in charge called?
Presiding juror: The juror charged with overseeing jury deliberations. Often called the foreperson.
Is class A the worst misdemeanor?
Yes, a Class A misdemeanor is generally the worst (most serious) type of misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties like up to a year in jail and significant fines, but it is less severe than any felony, with felonies carrying much harsher, longer prison sentences. While Class A is the highest tier, the exact penalties and crimes vary by state, with examples including assault, theft, or some DUIs.
How long does jury duty last in Arkansas?
Length of Service
Most trials are from one to four days, with some exceptions. Occasionally, jury selection will take a few days and the trial could last several days. A seated juror cannot serve more than ten days, in his/her term of service.
Why are we paid so little for jury duty?
We're paid so little for jury duty because it's considered a civic duty, not a job, with small payments meant for expenses like gas and food, not lost wages, though this creates significant hardship, especially for low-income workers, as employer pay isn't federally required, leading to low overall compensation that struggles to match minimum wage and hinders diverse participation in the justice system.
Is anxiety a valid excuse for jury duty?
Yes, severe anxiety can get you out of jury duty if you provide documentation from a doctor proving it's a mental disability that prevents you from serving, often requiring a physician's note explaining how it affects concentration or causes undue hardship, though judges might offer accommodations or postponement instead of outright excusal. The key is proving it's a genuine inability to focus or function during service, not just a preference to avoid it.
What not to say during jury duty?
At jury duty, avoid saying anything that shows bias, prejudges the case, disrespects the court, or reveals outside information; don't make sarcastic comments, overshare personal experiences, or claim you're too busy, but be honest about true hardships, as saying you'll be biased or have prior knowledge (like being a doctor in a medical case) can actually get you excused.
Does a charge mean you're guilty?
A charge starts the criminal process, but it does not mean the person is guilty. Once charges are filed, the accused person is given a court date to appear and respond. This first court appearance is called an arraignment.
What happens after you've been charged?
When you get charged with a crime, it starts a formal legal process involving arraignment (where you enter a plea), potential bail, preliminary hearings, and possibly a trial, leading to potential penalties like fines, probation, or jail if convicted, with the immediate steps focusing on getting you into the court system and determining pre-trial release conditions.
What are the three rules of charge?
Three important rules to remember about charges: Positive charges repel each other. Negative charges repel each other. Opposite charges attract.