The term "decem tales" originates from Latin, meaning "ten such people." Historically, it referred to a legal writ that instructed a sheriff to summon ten individuals to serve on a jury panel. This writ was issued when there were not enough jurors present to form a complete jury. The concept was particularly relevant in early English law, where ensuring a full jury was crucial for legal proceedings.
Decem tales is primarily used in the context of jury selection within the legal system. It plays a role in civil and criminal cases where a jury is required. The writ ensures that enough jurors appear for a trial, which is essential for upholding the right to a fair trial. Users can manage related legal processes by utilizing templates from US Legal Forms, which provide guidance on jury summons and related documentation.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
In a hypothetical criminal trial, if only six jurors appear on the day of the trial, the court may issue a decem tales writ to the sheriff, directing them to summon ten additional individuals to ensure a full jury is present.
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Variation |
|---|---|
| California | Allows for electronic jury summons. |
| Texas | Requires a minimum of twelve jurors for felony cases. |
| New York | Uses a random selection process for jurors. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Venire | A panel of potential jurors summoned for jury duty. | Venire refers to the group, while decem tales is a specific writ to summon additional jurors. |
| Jury summons | A legal document requiring a person to attend court as a juror. | Decem tales is a specific action taken when not enough jurors respond to a jury summons. |
If you find yourself involved in a legal case where jury selection is relevant, ensure you understand your rights regarding jury duty. If you receive a jury summons, respond promptly. If you are a legal professional or involved in the legal process, consider using US Legal Forms for templates related to jury summons and other jury-related documents. If the situation is complex, seeking professional legal advice may be necessary.
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Its purpose is to ensure that enough jurors are present for a trial by summoning additional individuals.