Can a case go to court without evidence?

Can a case go to court without evidence?

No competent prosecutor will take a case to trial without some form of evidence. In the absence of evidence, a person cannot be convicted. Evidence is how guilt is proven in court. Since guilt must be proven to convict, a conviction is not possible without evidence.

What happens if you go to court without evidence?

The prosecution may not be able to proceed without that witness’s evidence and will therefore have to ask the Magistrates to adjourn your trial so that they can get the witness to court. You can object to this or if you are legally represented, your solicitor will do so on your behalf.

What are the 3 possible verdicts of a court case?

Possible verdicts in criminal cases are “guilty” or “not guilty.” In a civil suit, the jury will find for the plaintiff or the defendant. If the jury finds for the plaintiff, it will also usually set out the amount the defendant should pay the plaintiff for damages, often after a separate hearing concerning damages.

Is the jury’s decision final?

The decision of a jury is called a verdict. A jury is charged with hearing the evidence presented by both sides in a trial, determining the facts of the case, applying the relevant law to the facts, and voting on a final verdict. In cases involving a major crime the verdict must be unanimous.

Can a judge overrule a jurys decision?

A judgment notwithstanding the verdict (or JNOV) is an order by a judge after a jury has returned its verdict. The judge can overturn the jury’s verdict if he or she feels it cannot reasonably be supported by the evidence or if it contradicts itself.

Does the judge have to listen to the jury?

Working Together: Judge and Jury At the end of a trial, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law. While the jury must obey the judge’s instructions as to the law, the jury alone is responsible for determining the facts of the case.