What's the difference between hearing a civil or criminal case?

Civil and criminal case jury trials are conducted under similar rules and in much the same manner. A few differences you will notice include:

  • The manner in which peremptory challenges of jurors are handled differs slightly in civil and criminal trials.
  • The manner in which jurors must weigh evidence will vary considerably between civil and criminal cases. In a civil case, allegations by the parties are proven by a "preponderance of the evidence" to support a finding in favor of one of the two litigants. In a criminal case, the defendant must be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Because of these distinctions, the judge’s instructions to a civil trial jury will be quite different from those given to a criminal trial jury.

Show All Answers

1. How long do I have to serve?
2. My summons says I am to report to the Court of General Sessions (or Common Pleas). What's the difference?
3. What's the difference between hearing a civil or criminal case?
4. How should I dress?
5. What can I bring with me to the Judicial Center?
6. Is there any special "courtroom etiquette" I should be aware of?
7. What is "roll call?"
8. What does the term "voir dire" mean?
9. Will I definitely sit in on a trial when I perform jury duty?