Alternate juror

Definition

An alternate juror is a selected member of a jury who is present during the trial but does not participate in the deliberations unless a regular juror is unable to continue. This system ensures that a full jury can still reach a verdict even if an issue arises with one of the primary jurors. Alternate jurors are chosen during the jury selection process, and they follow the same rules and procedures as the main jurors throughout the trial.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Alternate jurors are selected during the voir dire process and serve as backups to ensure that a full jury is maintained.
2. If a regular juror must leave due to illness, personal reasons, or other emergencies, an alternate juror can step in without restarting the trial.
3. The number of alternate jurors varies by jurisdiction but typically ranges from one to three additional members.
4. Alternate jurors are present for all trial proceedings and are instructed not to discuss the case until they are called to participate in deliberations.
5. The presence of alternate jurors helps to prevent delays in reaching a verdict and maintains the integrity of the jury's decision-making process.

Review Questions

• How do alternate jurors contribute to the integrity of the jury system during a trial?
  • Alternate jurors play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the jury system by ensuring that there is always a full panel available to deliberate and reach a verdict. If a regular juror cannot continue due to unforeseen circumstances, alternate jurors can step in seamlessly, preventing potential disruptions or mistrials. This backup mechanism helps uphold the judicial process by allowing trials to proceed without unnecessary delays.
• Discuss the implications of having too few alternate jurors in a trial and how it can affect the outcome.
  • Having too few alternate jurors in a trial can lead to significant complications if a regular juror becomes unable to continue. If there are no alternates available, it may result in a mistrial, forcing the case to start over with a new jury, which consumes more time and resources. This can also lead to heightened stress for both parties involved, as they may need to retrace their arguments and evidence for a new set of jurors. Thus, ensuring an adequate number of alternates is essential for smooth trial operations.
• Evaluate how the use of alternate jurors impacts the strategy of attorneys during trial proceedings.
  • The presence of alternate jurors significantly impacts attorneys' strategies during trial proceedings. Lawyers must consider not only how their arguments and evidence will resonate with regular jurors but also with alternates who will be observing the entire trial. This means attorneys may tailor their presentations to appeal broadly to all potential decision-makers. Furthermore, they may focus on maintaining consistent narrative threads and emotional engagement throughout the trial, knowing that alternates could ultimately decide on their case if a primary juror becomes incapacitated.

Related terms

voir dire: The process of questioning potential jurors to determine their suitability for serving on a jury, focusing on their biases and backgrounds.

jury pool: A group of potential jurors from which a jury is selected, often drawn from the community where the trial is taking place.

mistrial: A trial that is invalid due to an error or problem, such as a juror being unable to continue, which can lead to the selection of alternate jurors.