Jury Charge

Trial Trial by Jury Summations and the Jury Charge

Introduction to Jury Charge

In the United States

At the conclusion of the case, it is customary for both sides to make their summations, which consist of comment by counsel with regard to the testimony of the various witnesses who have testified at the trial, and the inferences to be drawn therefrom. In both civil and criminal cases, counsel for the defendant usually sums up first, and the attorney for the plaintiff or the prosecuting officer concludes.

After the summations, the court charges the jury. The charge of the court consists of a statement and an exposition of the rules of law applicable to the issues in the case, for the guidance of the jury. After the charge is made, counsel for either party can take exception to those portions of the charge which they consider objectionable and make requests that additional charges be given by the court.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Jury Charge in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Jury Charge