Civic Duty: Understanding Jury Trials

It’s crucial to understand jury trials – and the role they play in our court system right now.

After 18 months of a pandemic-related shutdown, the California court system reopened – but not without its challenges. That’s why, right now, it’s crucial to understand jury trials, which are moving forward once again. More importantly, it’s vital that we all understand how we can do your civic duty and come out of this together.

What’s A Jury Trial? 

In a jury trial, 12 members of the community are screened and selected to review evidence presented by the prosecution and defense.

In the U.S., every defendant has the constitutional right to demand a jury trial. “We are all entitled to have a jury, made up of 12 of our peers, listen to our case and decide whether we proved our case or not,” explained Steffanie Stelnick, Founding Partner of The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick. “That also means each of us has the essential duty to sit for a jury when we’re called. We’re one of the only countries that guarantees a jury trial made up of your peers, and in my opinion, this human right is one of the best parts of America.”

Jury Trials In California

This civic duty is especially important right now because of a number of factors that have been impacting the California courts in the past few years. 

Before the pandemic, the California court system was already handling a large number of cases, with a decent backlog. Once the pandemic started, however, jury trials were suspended. Though a lot of cases went through bench trials during this time, unfortunately the demand for a jury trial became an easy delay tactic for any defendant – and many cases have been stalled as a result. 

Now, as the courts have reopened, they’re navigating safety protocols while dealing with a significant amount of delayed trials from the shutdown.

Understanding Your Civic Duty 

Right now, it’s crucial that each of us does our part to show up for our legal system. If you are healthy and able to do so, please respond to a jury summons in a timely manner, and serve on the jury if you are called to do so. “I wanted to share this information with the public because, though it’s always been a critical part of our legal system, right now it’s even more important to show up for this civic duty,” Seffanie explained. “One day, you may need a jury of your peers, as a plaintiff or defendant, to help decide the truth of your case. That’s why I’m urging you to consider doing your civic duty.”

How We Can Help

If you’re a landlord or a tenant – and a jury trial has been demanded – please contact us with your questions. California real estate law is our area of expertise, and we know how to navigate the court system, even in unprecedented times such as these. 

Real estate attorney Steffanie Stelnick represents businesses and individuals in real estate disputes across Southern California. She’s a California native who has dedicated her practice to serving those involved in real estate transactions and litigation. Though California property law is complex – requiring an intricate knowledge of statutes, contracts, and lease agreements – Steffanie is an experienced negotiator who fights hard to protect her clients’ rights and interests.

If you need someone to review your contract, Steffanie offers a complimentary case evaluation and an extensive background in Santa Clarita real estate law.

About The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick 

The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick is a full-service civil litigation law firm in California that focuses on real estate law, with cases in estate planning, probate, landlord and tenant disputes and contract disputes. Mrs. Steffanie Stelnick represents builders, small and large property management companies, investors, brokers and all types of real property owners. In 2020, she was recognized by the American Institute of Trial Lawyers as Litigator of the Year. Mrs. Stelnick believes all landlords and tenants should know their rights, and when it comes to representation, experience matters. The Law Offices of Steffanie Stelnick has handled thousands of real estate cases with a strong, aggressive approach that ensures all clients operate on an even playing field in a litigation environment. Founded in the Santa Clarita Valley, this premiere real estate law firm has offices throughout the state of California, including Encino, San Francisco and Sacramento.