Question

You are assigned to preside over a jury trial in a gruesome homicide case that has been widely publicized in the area. Although the defense does not request it, should you order a change of venue?

Answer 1

ANSWER-

A change of venue should be ordered if the court determines that the defendant cannot receive a fair and impartial trial in the current location due to the level of publicity and community bias. A judge must always prioritize the right to a fair trial for the defendant and must take into account the potential impact of pretrial publicity on the jury's impartiality. If a change of venue is ordered, the trial would be moved to a different location where the jury pool would be less likely to have been influenced by media coverage.

Answer 2

You are assigned to preside over a jury trial in a gruesome homicide case that has been widely publicized in the area. Although the defense does not request it, should you order a change of venue?