After the lawyers have argued their cases, the judge will instruct the jury on the law that applies to the case. The jury will retire, select a foreperson to deliberate. Jury deliberations are secret and juries must decide the case solely on the evidence presented in court. After the jurors deliberate they vote on whether or not they believe the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
In most jurisdictions and in the federal system a jury vote must be unanimous to reach a verdict. In limited circumstances, juries in Louisiana may convict on a less than unanimous vote. In such a case 10 out of 12 jurors must concur to reach a verdict. If the jury is deadlocked and cannot reach a verdict the judge will declare a mistrial and a new trial will be ordered.
If the defendant is found not guilty he or she will be released. If the defendant is found guilty, the judge will set a date for sentencing and depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the offense may or may not remand the defendant to jail pending sentencing.
