Jury Duty... I am going to trial for sexual assault case against my rapist.?

Question

I am going to trial against someone that assualted me and wanted to know on the jury side how it feels to be in the postion to be the one to make such a decision. also have you ever came with a verdict and found out you where wrong. I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact the after all I have gone through, I have to sit back and allow people that dont even know me let alone where there for the rpae or the aftermath, judge myself and him and then decided weather or not I know happened, happened. So what if they belive him he walks even though he is a rapist? What will I do? I was thinking of killing myself and leaving a suicide note to the jury that let him free, so that they know what they did, and that it is their fault his is on the street. And if he does it again the next jury will never know about me and my case becasue it was dismissed.

Answer 1

I completely understand your predicament. Luckily, most jurys come back with the correct verdict. If the prosecutor proves his case the jury will recognize it. If he's a boob, then they'll have no choice but to aquit. I know we seem to think at times that our system is completely flawed. However, the vast majority of times it does work out the way it should. Good luck and may the little bastard fry in hell.

Answer 2

Sorry about your pain and suffering.

My honest answer is that, if I were on a jury, I would only convict the accused if I could find him guilty under the law without a reasonable doubt.

These days, it seems that either people ARE being convicted despite reasonable doubts, or that modern juries don't have a lot of reasonable doubts.

This is why I would cringe at being selected for a jury: it is being more of a thankless job where innocent people might be put away for life (or, at least, a very long time).

Also, as much as I would HATE to make a mistake on a jury, mistakes do happen. I believe that would regret it more if I convicted an innocent person that if I accidently acquitted a guilty person. Why? Because the innocent person might never get another chance to prove their innocence and, in any case, the life is usually ruined from a freedom and family perspective. Freeing the guilty person certainly has serious consequences as well; while it would be extremely difficult to live with the fact of knowing that the person you freed committed another murder or rape, you know that repeat offenders are usually caught and, eventually, convicted because either the reasonable doubt goes away and/or the evidence becomes obvious.

This, of course, does not help the former nor subsequent victims. That is why it is so important to get it right the first time. DNA evidence, for instance, purports to "get it right"; however, we must not relax our standards and, in the case of DNA, there must be multiple witnesses in the gathering, transport, storage, and subsequent retrieval and analysis in order for "greater effectiveness and efficiency" to be realized.

Answer 3

If he raped you, then it's likely that the jury will find the correct verdict. Be aware that you're going to get some serious cross-examination from the defense attorney(s). The prosecution will coach you on that so that you are ready to deal with it. Don't elaborate or make things up. Testify exactly what happened; that way you can't be crossed up by the defense, because you'll always be telling the truth.

Whatever you do, don't back down or away from this. Go through with it to ensure that the accused has the best chance of being convicted. The fact that your rapist is behind bars will do a lot for your emotional well-being.

If the rapist gets acquitted,it isn't the end of the world. Ask the States Attorney to get a restraining order from the judge, forbidding the rapist to go near you.

In any case, this isn't something to deal with alone. Rape victims generally need and will benefit from professional counseling and support groups. Also, get as much support as you can from your family and friends.

Answer 4

I am a victim advocate who works with children and adolescents (up to 18 yrs old) that have been sexually assaulted. I have helped prepare children as young as five years old to testify against their attacker. What you are about to do is the hardest thing. Every victim I have worked with, even the littlest ones, has expressed these same fears. While I can't guarantee the outcome, what I do know is that the anticipation is worse than the actual event of testifying. Does your jurisdiction have a rape crisis center? Many provide victims with an advocate. Also many State's Attorney's offices have advocates. (I don't know where you are so the term may be District Attorney, anyway the ones doing the prosecuting) Please remember that if a jury acquits that doesn't mean the jury did not believe you. My experience with juries has shown that the term reasonable doubt is often translated into no doubt. Also they are not there to judge you. They are there to judge the evidence as presented by the attorneys.
Your healing does not lie with the criminal justice system. It is within you. The trial may not offer you the closure you hope, regardless of the verdict. The person who did this to you does not deserve any more power over you.
As hard as it is, gather everyone you turn to for support. If you don't want them in the courtroom, (which is also pretty common - most of the kids I work with , regardless of age, don't even want their moms there) have them wait outside. If you don't have to do this alone, don't.
Please remember your life means so much more than him. Its true that the best revenge is a life well lived.

Answer 5

Take a deep breath now. You need to speak with a person who is an expert on "coersion". It's very a very important subtle legal term. Many rape counselors have this experience. Get this information yourself and then present it with a clear head to your lawyer.

Important: Write on a piece of paper the many ways you were vulnerable. Also write the ways you may have been coerced.

I'm not sure whether you knew him or not. Sometimes rapists will coerce young women in stages. If the woman was drinking alcohol, in some states, it's rape no matter what.

There are many free 800 sex assault hotlines that you can call. Try a few, but also ask for a telephone appointment with the head counselors so that you can prepare mentally for this stressful case. You'd be surprised how many people care about you.

Keep writing...

Answer 6

Don't blame the jury when the verdict is wrong. Usually the cause is the prosecutor's poor performance, or judge's allowing defense attorney's to confuse the jury, or the prosecutor being incompetent at screening the jury.

Answer 7

If the evidence backs up your story then the jury will convict. The trial is based on the evidence. To threaten to kill yourself and blame the jury is not right.. If you truly are considering suicide you need to seek professional help. Good Luck

Answer 8

I agree with Mariannes answer,only I also think you need to look at the unfourtunate flip side....its hard to rap your head around why any body would ques etc...but there are sick people out there who cry rape,just because there pissed,and screw it up for the real victims!!!..This is why there is a trail.What pisses me off more is if they do find them guilty rape penalties, or time ,is minimal,the time doesnt fit the crime!!! this is obviously a mans world...To me Rape is next to murder...it kills a spirit and ruins lives...you can never be the same,be sure to seek counsel,and I pray all goes well for you in court if hes guilty you have nothing to worry about other than will he be punished properly!!!If hes not come on here and find me!!!...I know who to appeal with in most states,this is an issue close to my heart,for personal reasons...I think you will be fine,your just nervous,its scary to have to be so vulnerable..AGAIN>>>sucks huh...

Answer 9

First off...if you kill your self that is giving the rapist power, joy, and glory, that is what just what sick, twisted people like him want, so dont even let that cross your mind. also, the chances of him getting free are slimmer than you think because the jury will pity you, yes, I watch Law & Order. So, bottom line, keep your head up, because, in this court, you have the upper hand already

Answer 10

My heart goes out to you but you have to be strong and most of all have faith...you made a comment, judge myself and him..you need not judge yourself you did'nt do anything wrong...and you should'nt even be thinking of judging him if you do then you have given power back to him...Let God judge him after all that is His job...You need to go and get councling so that you can move on with your life and gain your self control back....Never ever let anyone have power over you, except you...and never worry about what others think of you, you know who you are and so does God...GBU