giuria

Giuria is a term used in Italian and other Romance languages to denote a panel of people sworn to render a verdict or evaluation. In a legal context, a giuria is typically a body of citizens selected to decide questions of fact and, in some systems, to determine guilt or liability based on the evidence presented in court. The exact powers and procedures of a giuria differ by country and by legal tradition. In many common-law jurisdictions, the jury is the fact-finder in criminal and some civil cases, and the judge applies the law; verdicts are often required to be unanimous, though some jurisdictions permit majority verdicts after a specified period of deliberation. In many civil-law systems, juries as fact-finders are less common; instead, professional or lay judges may participate in a mixed tribunal, or verdicts may be rendered by judges alone without a jury.

The selection of jurors typically involves random drawing from eligible citizens, with exclusions for conflicts of interest or certain disqualifications. Jurors usually take an oath to be impartial and to base their decision solely on the evidence and the court's instructions. The role of the giuria is to weigh evidence, assess credibility, and determine the outcome of the case.

Beyond courts, the word giuria is also used in contexts such as competitions, where a jury panel evaluates entries and awards prizes according to predefined criteria. See also jury, juror, and jury trial.