Jury

Definition

A jury is a group of citizens selected to hear evidence in a legal case and make a decision based on that evidence. The jury system is designed to ensure that legal proceedings are fair and that community standards are reflected in the justice process. In the context of amendments, juries play a crucial role in upholding the rights of individuals and providing checks on governmental power.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in criminal cases.
2. The Seventh Amendment preserves the right to a jury trial in civil cases involving more than twenty dollars.
3. Juries are typically composed of randomly selected citizens from the community where the trial takes place, ensuring a diverse representation.
4. Jurors are expected to base their verdict solely on the evidence presented during the trial and the judge's instructions on the law.
5. The principle of jury nullification allows juries to acquit defendants if they believe that the law is unjust or wrongly applied, even if the evidence suggests guilt.

Review Questions

• How does the jury system ensure fairness in legal proceedings?
  • The jury system ensures fairness by involving a group of peers in the decision-making process, which helps prevent bias from any single judge. Juries are composed of citizens from the community, reflecting diverse perspectives and standards. This collective approach allows jurors to evaluate evidence based on common sense and community values, contributing to more equitable outcomes.
• Discuss the differences between a grand jury and a petit jury in terms of their roles in the judicial process.
  • A grand jury's primary role is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against a suspect, serving as an investigative body before a trial occurs. In contrast, a petit jury, also known as a trial jury, hears evidence during a trial and decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. While grand juries consist of more members and do not require unanimous decisions, petit juries typically have fewer members and need to reach a consensus for a verdict.
• Evaluate the impact of the Sixth and Seventh Amendments on the modern jury system and its role in American democracy.
  • The Sixth and Seventh Amendments significantly shape the modern jury system by guaranteeing individuals the right to trial by jury in both criminal and civil cases. This framework empowers citizens to participate directly in the judicial process, reinforcing democratic principles by ensuring accountability of government actions through peer review. The emphasis on an impartial jury reflects societal values and promotes trust in legal outcomes, which is essential for maintaining public confidence in the justice system.

Related terms

Due Process:

The legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person, ensuring fair treatment through the judicial system.

Grand Jury: A type of jury that determines whether there is enough evidence for a criminal case to go to trial, usually consisting of 16 to 23 members.

Petit Jury: A jury that hears a case in a court of law and renders a verdict; typically made up of 6 to 12 jurors in civil and criminal cases.