3. law and courts: the role of the judge

the judge instructs the jury on which evidence is legally admissible and on the legal principles or rules that must be followed.

How does the judge influence the jury's fact finding?

advocates for the truth

are expert witnesses "hired guns" for a party or are they advocated for the truth?

they manage the flow of cases

how do judges keep delays to a minimum?

fact finder

in a trial, a judge or the jury determining which facts presented in evidence are accurate

A referee: they make sure that the rules of court procedures are followed by both sides.

the role of a judge is similar to what type of a sports figure?

they encourage the voluntary settlement of cases.

what do judges encourage before a case is decided in court?

make sure the jury is chosen fairly and understands the law that governs the case.

what is the judge's role in a case with a jury?

make fair and impartial decisions, listen to the facts and apply the law as necessary.

what is the judge's role in a case without a jury?

they interpret the law, explain legal legal procedures and make procedural rulings.

what is the judges role regarding the law?

interpret the law and make sure it was applied to the facts. review and if necessary correct the judgements in law and procedures made by lower court judges.

what is the main role of an appellate judge or a supreme court justice?

Admissible evidence: reliable and relevant

what kind of evidence do judges allow?

when the defendant in a civil or criminal case waives the right to a trial jury.

when can there be a trial without a jury?

criminal court judges

who holds probable cause hearings to determine if the accused person should be held for trial, rules on pretrial procedural motions and accepts or rejects proposed plea bargins?

the jury

who is the "fact finder" in a trial with a jury?

the judge

who is the "fact finder" in a trial without a jury?

criminal court judges

who issues arrest and search warrants, ensures that defendants are informed of their charges and of their right to be represented by counsel, and sets and revokes bail?