Jury is a collective noun for a group of citizens selected to render a verdict in a legal case, and usually consisting of citizen judges who evaluate evidence presented in court. It’s important to know how to properly use the term ‘jury’ because it can vary depending on where you live, as some countries and jurisdictions treat the word differently than others.
When a case goes to trial, the jury is sworn in and the judge gives them specific instructions about how to weigh the evidence and apply the law. Then, the jury retires to discuss the case in private, a process called deliberation. The jury foreperson presides over the discussions and ensures that each juror has an opportunity to express their opinion. In the end, the jury must decide whether a defendant is guilty or not and must be unanimous in their decision.
The jury system is an essential component of the American judicial system and helps maintain its integrity by allowing citizens to participate directly in applying laws and upholding rights. The legal system strives to assemble a jury that is representative of the community while also being impartial and capable of delivering a fair verdict. The jury system has been tried in other countries whose legal systems derive from the English common law, but it is not used in most civil law systems.
Jurors should never talk about the case outside of the jury room or with a witness or lawyer. This could make it more difficult to reach a unanimous verdict and might cause a mistrial. It’s also important for jurors to be honest and respectful when they discuss the case in private.