Jurors to Ask Questions and Take Notes in Michigan Trials
The state of Michigan has amended court laws so that jurors can now ask witnesses questions and take notes during trials.
The change comes as new rules were passed by the Michigan Supreme court. According to the Detroit News, “these changes have been in the making for the last 6 years, and have undergone a two year test in 12 Michigan courts.
“Michigan jurors have much responsibility, yet they’ve faced too many restrictions. The new rules allow for jurors to be truly involved in trials,” said Chief Justice Robert Young Jr.
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Attorney Robert Winston said, “The last time people were expected to sit and watch without using some sort of tool to recall what they learned was in kindergarten. Jurors are making really important decisions about the life of another person and should be allowed to have some sort of reference point.”
However, the Associated Press reports Judge Diane Hathaway opposes the new rules: “They could affect the rights of people on trial.”
In a recent poll by Michigan jury duty workers, over 75 percent of jurors are in favor of the recent changes that will come into effect in September.
So what does this recent adjustment in court procedures mean for other larger states across the U.S. such as New York and Chicago?
In a recent editorial post the Chicago Sun-Times said, “If you should find yourself serving on a jury, we think you should be able to ask questions.”
Although the New York Supreme Court is not currently in the mist of passing any rule stating that New York jurors can ask witnesses questions, many are expecting the recent changes to soon follow.
In a recent poll, University of New York student, Ariel Hummond said, “Larger states can benefit from jurors taking notes and asking questions during trial. The information can only help the jury make better decisions.”
