Sidebar-info that the Jury never hears

[suzyq]

There was quite a bit of evidence/possible witnesses kept from the Casey Anthony Jury.  They might have reached a different decision had it been presented to them.

It must happen in other cases - this case just happened to get public attention.  On a case like this or any case it seems that the Jury is not given the entire "story."

Any lawyers out there - like to learn the reasons for sidebars and why at times info is kept from the Jury.  Many thanks.

[Mirror Image]

At this juncture, I don't care anymore. That girl's life is going to be a hellacious one.

[suzyq]

I just used the Casey trial has an example - it probably happens in just about all cases.

[Mirror Image]

I just used the Casey trial has an example - it probably happens in just about all cases.

Do you ever discuss classical music?

[suzyq]

yes

[Coopmv]

Do you ever discuss classical music?

How about this one?     

[Daverz]

There was quite a bit of evidence/possible witnesses kept from the Casey Anthony Jury.  They might have reached a different decision had it been presented to them.

Maybe they should have the jury consult Nancy Grace before rendering a verdict.

[eyeresist]

This can be done. The one time I was on a jury (never again!), the prosecutor asked the defendant about a previous charge of possession of a shotgun. The defense immediately objected and the judge automatically quashed the mention from the record, but we in the jury had heard it and couldn't unhear it. It was a pretty transparent ploy, and I don't know if they'd get away with it in a bigger trial. My understanding is that you can also get something on the record if a witness mentions it without prompting, but I could be wrong about this.
I guess we don't have any legal people on the forum?

[suzyq]

This can be done. The one time I was on a jury (never again!), the prosecutor asked the defendant about a previous charge of possession of a shotgun. The defense immediately objected and the judge automatically quashed the mention from the record, but we in the jury had heard it and couldn't unhear it. It was a pretty transparent ploy, and I don't know if they'd get away with it in a bigger trial. My understanding is that you can also get something on the record if a witness mentions it without prompting, but I could be wrong about this.
I guess we don't have any legal people on the forum?

I've been on a Jury a few times and sidebars ocurred each time.  We had to sit in the Jury Room and wait.  It bothered me because I fel that we wouldn't be hearing something that might be important. 

Keeping information from the Jury doesn't seem fair to me - to either side.  I'm in agreement with you.

[DavidRoss]

See http://library.findlaw.com/2001/Jan/1/241488.html