Difference between church trials and secular
trials in the U.S.A. The following chart helps to show some differences between a church and civil court processes. From a United Methodist magazine, The Interpreter, October 2004, p. 23 | Church Trial | Secular Trial | The Parties | Complainant Respondent | Plaintiff Defendant | Oaths | Not required | Required | Counsel | If for a bishop, clergyperson or diaconal minister, then it is a clergyperson in full connection. If for a layperson, then clergyperson or lay member of the church | Attorney | The Decision | Trial Court of 13 | Jury of 12 | Deliberation | Closed | Closed | Conviction | Requires at least 9 of 13 votes | Requires unanimous decision | Appeal | Respondent may appeal to Committee on Appeals; church may not appeal | Defendant may appeal to a higher court; state may not appeal | Open or Closed? | Closed unless the counsel for the respondent requests that it be open | Generally open | Highest Court | Judicial Council | U.S. Supreme Court |
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