What is a Chip Smith charge?
Asked by: Ms. Marianna Veum | Last update: July 12, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (51 votes)
“Chip Smith Charge”: The “Chip Smith charge” is an instruction to deadlocked jurors, urging those jurors whose disagree with the majority vote to reexamine the majority views in an effort to reach a unanimous verdict.
What if a juror falls asleep?
If a juror falls asleep during a trial, the attorneys or bailiff typically alert the judge, who then intervenes. Depending on the severity of the inattentiveness, the judge may quietly wake the juror, call a brief recess, issue a warning, replace them with an alternate juror, or declare a mistrial.
Does a mistrial mean the person goes free?
No, a mistrial does not automatically mean the person goes free. It means the trial was terminated and declared void before a verdict was reached. While the defendant is not convicted, they are also not acquitted, allowing prosecutors to retry the case with a new jury in most situations.
What is the golden rule in jury trials?
The "Golden Rule" in jury trials is a prohibition against attorneys asking jurors to place themselves in the position of a party (plaintiff or defendant) or victim. It forbids arguments like "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," because such pleas encourage bias and emotional, rather than evidence-based, decisions.
Can a judge overrule the jury?
Yes, a judge can overrule a jury verdict, but it is rare and only allowed under specific legal circumstances, usually known as Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) in civil cases or a judgment of acquittal in criminal cases. Judges can intervene if the evidence is insufficient to support the verdict, or if there was a major legal error or jury misconduct.
Outdoor Technology Wired Chips Video Review
What should you never say to a judge?
“I'm going to appeal!” This can be interpreted as a threat, which is audaciously unwise, and very unlikely to make the judge change his or her order. Moreover, if the case requires the judge to exercise his or her discretion to determine the credibility of one party versus another, such a ruling is not appealable.
What is the best way to get dismissed from jury duty?
The most effective way to be dismissed from jury duty is to express genuine, strong biases or conflicts during questioning (voir dire) that show you cannot be impartial, or to cite legitimate hardships like medical issues or lack of childcare. Simply stating you cannot be fair, have fixed opinions on police/lawyers, or believe in jury nullification often leads to dismissal.
What is the B word for lawyer?
The "b" word for a lawyer is barrister, which refers to a specific type of lawyer, common in the UK and Commonwealth countries, who specializes in courtroom advocacy and representing clients in higher courts.
What are two things jurors should never do?
Two critical things jurors must never do are conduct independent research or visit the scene of the incident, and discuss the case with anyone—including other jurors, family, or friends—before deliberations officially begin. These actions ensure the verdict is based solely on evidence presented in court.
What is it called when all 12 jurors agree?
To convict or acquit someone of a crime, a jury needs to reach a unanimous verdict. Unanimous means that every single juror agrees. If even one juror does not agree, then the jury is a hung jury.
What if I have to pee during jury duty?
If you have to pee during jury duty, just raise your hand or quietly notify a bailiff or court officer. The judge will briefly pause the trial or testimony and call a recess. Nobody wants a distracted or uncomfortable juror, so the court will readily accommodate you!
What is the hardest case to win in court?
Treason is generally considered the hardest criminal charge to prove, while medical malpractice is widely viewed as the most difficult type of civil case to win. Both face unique legal or evidential hurdles that set them apart from standard litigation.
Who benefits most from a hung jury?
And a loss for the government is almost always a win for the defendant. How big a win depends on the defendant's individual circumstances. There are several ways that a defendant may benefit from a hung jury. First, the government may choose not to have a second trial and may dismiss the case instead.
What happens if I cry during jury duty?
Crying alone may not be juror misconduct. But there are circumstances where a juror's emotions may result in an unfair trial.
Can you go to jury duty in pajamas?
Due to the dignity of Court proceedings, it is requested you wear business casual attire.
Has anyone gone to jail for ignoring jury duty?
Yes, individuals have gone to jail for ignoring jury duty, although it is rare and usually follows repeated, willful failure to appear rather than a single missed, accidental summons. Judges can hold offenders in contempt of court, resulting in fines, community service, or short-term jail sentences, typically ranging from a few days to several months.
What does "oye oye oye" mean in court?
"Oyez, oyez, oyez" (pronounced oh-yay) is a traditional court call meaning "Hear ye!" or "Listen!" Derived from Anglo-Norman French and used three times, it serves as a formal command to command silence and attention at the opening of a court session, particularly in the Supreme Court of the United States.
What annoys judges?
Judges hate a situation where you say something using “by the way”. It suggests that you are bringing up a point you only thought about at the dying minutes and you are tossing it in, in a bid to have some significance. You are trying to show the judge that the point you are making is important.
What color do judges like to see in court?
Judges appreciate seeing conservative, neutral colors in the courtroom, with navy blue and dark gray (charcoal) being the absolute best choices. These muted, somber tones project respect, seriousness, and professionalism, which helps ensure the judge focuses entirely on the facts of your case.
What is a derogatory name for a lawyer?
The most common derogatory term for an unscrupulous or untrustworthy lawyer is a shyster. Other popular slang includes pettifogger (referring to a lawyer who handles petty or underhanded cases), ambulance chaser (a lawyer who solicits accident victims), and mouthpiece (a slang term for a criminal defense lawyer).
Who are the Magic 5 lawyers?
The "Magic Circle" refers to an elite group of five London-headquartered law firms renowned for high-stakes corporate work, profitability, and international reach. As of 2026, the firms are: A&O Shearman (formerly Allen & Overy), Clifford Chance, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, Linklaters, and Slaughter and May.
What is the hot potato rule?
The "hot potato" rule is a legal ethics doctrine prohibiting law firms from dropping a current client—like a "hot potato"—to suddenly treat them as a former client in order to avoid a conflict of interest, typically to take on a more lucrative client. It enforces the duty of loyalty and prevents "firing" a client to circumvent conflict rules.
Can I say I'm biased to get out of jury duty?
Yes, expressing a genuine inability to be impartial or stating a strong bias that prevents you from following the law can get you out of jury duty during voir dire. However, this must be done during the questioning process; simply claiming bias does not guarantee release, and lying under oath to avoid service can have legal consequences.
What automatically disqualifies you for jury duty?
You are automatically disqualified from jury duty if you are not a U.S. citizen, not of legal age (18 or older), or do not reside in the court's jurisdiction. Other automatic disqualifiers include having an unpardoned felony conviction, an inability to communicate in English, or a severe medical condition preventing service.
Can anxiety get you out of jury duty?
Yes, severe anxiety can get you excused from jury duty, but it is rarely automatic. Courts generally require a formal exemption request, typically backed by a licensed doctor or mental health professional's note stating you are unable to serve.