legalese

[MNeagle]

Just heard an interesting radiio comment from the County Prosecutor @ a high-profile case in the state.

"The Judge is there to rule on the law of the case and the Jury is there to rule on the facts of the case."

[palani]

Jury nullification is where the jury takes the initiative to rule upon the law as well as the facts.

In Law a single judge has only the authority to set bail or release upon own cognizance. There must be at least two judges sitting with one being of the quorum (studied law) for there to be judgment. In Equity a chancellor has the power to assign contempt as well. Law and Equity were merged in the '50s and you really have to be on your toes to determine which one you are in front of.

A majority of court "decisions" are nothing more than clerical notes issued by the bench. The true trial occurs in front of multiple judges sitting as a panel when appeal gets filed. Judgment is not reversible yet this is the function of an appeals court, to reverse or not.