Understanding Your Constitutional Right to a Jury Trial

The 6th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States holds that in all criminal proceedings, the accused shall have the right to “an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.” The right to a jury trial is a way to prevent government oppression by having impartial “peers” decide the fate of an accused. It safeguards against heavy-handed and unfair prosecution as well as judges that may have bias. It prevents unchecked power and helps ensure an accused receives justice. The role of the juror is to be the trier of fact. The judge's role is to instruct jurors on what the law is in each case, and following those instructions, the jury is to render a verdict based on the evidence presented in court. The right to a jury trial in the 6th Amendment only applies to criminal matters. The 7th Amendment guarantees the right to a trial by jury in certain federal civil matters, but it does not apply to state courts.

Contacting Fay Arfa should be one of your first steps if you have been arrested in Los Angeles. Call us at 310-841-6805 today.