X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.
Concurring opinion

I write in concurrence to emphasize that any attempt by the trial court to “clarify” the notion of “beyond a reasonable doubt” for the venire could, depending upon the tone of voice and other mannerisms used, easily be construed by a juror as a gloss intended to minimize the import of this standard by which a juror is to arrive at his or her very important and potentially life-altering decision.

Here, the language used was both inartful and confusing. Absent an audio recording, we cannot know, nor should we speculate as to, the tone of voice or other mannerisms possibly employed by the trial court in its communications with the venire. That a trial judge would risk prejudicing a defendant at voir dire by speaking of legal concepts best left to trial counsel (who bear the responsibility to do so), is ill-advised.

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

More From ALM

With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
November 27, 2024
London

Celebrating achievement, excellence, and innovation in the legal profession in the UK.


Learn More
December 02, 2024 - December 03, 2024
Scottsdale, AZ

Join the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers for the real estate healthcare event of the year!


Learn More
December 11, 2024
Las Vegas, NV

This event shines a spotlight on how individuals and firms are changing the investment advisory industry where it matters most.


Learn More

FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER VACANCY MIDDLE DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA Refer to: www.ca3.uscourts.gov for detailed announcement...


Apply Now ›

The Business Litigation Group of the Boston office of McCarter & English seeks a litigation associate with 3-5 years of business litigat...


Apply Now ›

McCarter and English is actively seeking a trusts and estates associate for our Newark, NJ office with 3-5 years of experience in estate pla...


Apply Now ›