Juries

The jury system originated in England in the 12th century.

The primary role of a jury in a criminal trial is to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant based on the evidence presented.

In most criminal trials in the United States, 12 jurors are selected to serve on the jury.

Voir dire is the process of selecting jurors in a trial, during which potential jurors are questioned by the judge and attorneys to determine their suitability for serving on the jury.

Sequestration is the principle that prohibits jurors from discussing the case with anyone outside the jury room during the trial, to prevent outside influences from affecting their decision-making.

A hung jury is a jury that cannot reach a unanimous verdict after a reasonable period of deliberation, resulting in a mistrial.

In most criminal trials in the United States, a verdict can be reached with the agreement of at least 10 out of 12 jurors.

A challenged juror is a juror who is dismissed from the jury before the trial begins, either for cause (e.g., bias or conflict of interest) or peremptory challenge (without stating a reason).

Deliberation is the process by which jurors discuss the evidence and testimony presented during the trial to reach a verdict.

A unanimous jury is a jury in which all members agree on the verdict, resulting in a unanimous decision.

Impartiality is the principle that prohibits jurors from being influenced by outside sources during the trial, ensuring that their decision is based solely on the evidence presented in court.

A mistrial is a trial in which the jury is unable to reach a verdict and the case is dismissed, often due to a procedural error or a hung jury.

The presumption of innocence is the principle that requires jurors to presume the defendant is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

A foreperson is a juror who is selected to serve as the leader of the jury during deliberations, responsible for facilitating discussions and ensuring orderly proceedings.

Jury secrecy is the principle that prohibits jurors from discussing the case with anyone outside the jury room after the trial has concluded, to protect the privacy of the jurors and the integrity of the verdict.