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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Mansfield rule
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A quick definition of Mansfield rule:
The Mansfield Rule is a legal principle that says jurors cannot change their minds after a verdict has been reached. This means that if a juror has something to say about what happened during the trial, they cannot use it to challenge the verdict. The rule is meant to make sure that jurors are heard through their decision, not by talking about what happened after the trial is over. It also helps to keep the secrets of the jury room safe. The rule was first made by a judge named William Murray in 1785.
A more thorough explanation:
The Mansfield Rule is a legal doctrine that states that a juror's testimony or affidavit about juror misconduct cannot be used to challenge the verdict. This means that once a jury has reached a verdict, their decision cannot be questioned or challenged based on what a juror says happened during the deliberation process.
For example, if a juror later comes forward and says that they were pressured into voting a certain way or that they were influenced by outside information, their testimony cannot be used to overturn the verdict. The Mansfield Rule is meant to protect the integrity of the jury system and ensure that jurors are heard through their verdict, not through their post-verdict testimony.
The Mansfield Rule was first established in the case of Vaise v. Delaval in 1785 by William Murray, the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of King's Bench. The rule has been upheld in many subsequent cases and is an important part of the legal system in many countries.