Should the jury be able to see the defendant?

Question

Rather we admit to it or not someone’s physical appearance often does shape the way we see them. However, it is important for a jury to be impartial to ensure that justice is served without someone’s personal biases being an influential factor. Due to this, should a jury be able to see be defendant?

Answer

It's the defendants right to confront their accuser and give testimony if they wish. The jury has to be present to see that, if it happens, they have to see the whole trial. However, I do believe that if the defendant wishes or is so advised by their lawyer, they should be able to forfeit those rights and not appear in court for their trial at all, only be represented by their lawyer, invoking the 5th amendment in a more complete way. If that were to happen, they could avoid being seen by the jury.

Answer

That’s an interesting question.  I’d like to say no.  Having a jury listen to testimony in another room would be good except that much of communication is body language so... maybe not.

Answer

It should be like The Voice. Decisions based on what the jury hears, because there is so much bias on looks.

Answer

This is an interesting question. I'm not sure, I'd have to do more research. But if you argue that a jury shouldn't see a defendant, what about a judge/trial w/o a jury?

Answer

I think you can tell a lot from body language so based on that I think they should

Answer

When I went to my jury selection this past May, they asked a lot of questions when they called your numbers up, and the defendant was in the room with his lawyer. It was up to the judge, both lawyers, and the defendant to decide on whether or not they liked a juror and wanted to pick him/her for jury duty. Some of the questions they asked had a lot to do with different ways of asking if you have any biases, if you'd remain impartial, if you knew any of the names involved in the case, and if you'd be able to make a decision based on evidence alone and not your own biases (I guess? Can't think of the word I'm looking for right now). So they do try to weed out anyone who wouldn't be a neutral ground, and as I said, t he defendant also does have some choice on who he does or doesn't pick. Not sure if it's like that everywhere though.

Answer

so they just wear a sack over their head or something the whole trial? I feel like that would have distracted me more.

Should the jury be able to see the defendant?

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