In legal terms, “short cause” refers to a type of jury trial that makes use of fewer jurors than what is typically required for regular jury trials. It is also commonly referred to as “short trial” or “trial by fewer than 12 jurors.” The concept of a short cause trial was first developed in the early 1800s as an effort to reduce the amount of time and resources used in deciding criminal cases. The short cause trial is still used today in many states for small claims court, misdemeanors, and other cases.
Benefits of Short Cause
While some may argue that a short cause trial is an inferior form of justice due to its allowable use of fewer jurors than a typical jury trial, there are actually several benefits to this type of jury trial. Most notably, short cause trials are able to reach a verdict more quickly, as the pool of jurors has fewer people who must each render a decision as opposed to a traditional jury. This can save substantial time and resources for all parties involved in the proceedings, as well as the court system itself.
In addition, short cause trials can be beneficial in that they may provide a more guided discussion, as fewer jurors can focus on the details of a case more readily and can be more open to learning about all aspects of it from lawyers and witnesses. Furthermore, fewer jurors can reduce the inherent bias and noise that naturally comes with having a larger jury, thus making it easier for the truth and fair judgment.
Conclusion
Though it is possible for a short cause jury to be unfair or insufficiently thorough, with the right lawyers and judges, this type of trial can be an excellent way to quickly and fairly come to a verdict. Whether you are a business professional attending court proceedings or a justice-seeker looking to understand the law, it is important to understand the concept of a short cause trial and its potential benefits.