Maxim 8.2.3
Jurors are the judges of fact.
Juratores sunt judices facti.
Source: State of Georgia v. Brailsford, 3 Dall. 1, 4 (1794); Co. Litt. 155b; Weisman, 67b
Difficulty 1/5 — Foundational
Explanation
No judge, however learned, may substitute his opinion of the facts for that of the jury — the jury is the sole and sovereign tribunal on all questions of fact.
Where this applies
- The judge disagrees with the jury's factual finding — can the judge override them?
- The jury found the defendant not guilty but the judge thinks they're wrong.
Topics
Legal domains
See also
Cite this maxim
NeCede Max. 8.2.3 — Jurors are the judges of fact. — State of Georgia v. Brailsford, 3 Dall. 1, 4 (1794); Co. Litt. 155b; Weisman, 67b (Juratores sunt judices facti.)
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