jury

A jury is a body of citizens selected to render a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence presented in court. Juries are a core feature of many legal systems, especially those derived from English common law, and are used in criminal trials and many civil cases to decide questions of fact.

Most juries include six to twelve jurors, though sizes vary by jurisdiction. Members are drawn from a pool of eligible citizens and undergo selection, or voir dire, to assess suitability. Attorneys may challenge potential jurors for cause or employ peremptory challenges, within limits, to shape the panel. In some jurisdictions, alternate jurors may be seated to replace any member who must withdraw.

The jury's role is to determine the facts, evaluate the credibility of witnesses, and apply the law as explained by the judge. Jurors must be impartial, follow the evidence, and not expose themselves to outside information or discuss the case outside the deliberation room until deliberations begin.

A trial proceeds with presentation of evidence, witnesses, and arguments. After closing statements, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law and the standard of proof, such as beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases or a balance of probabilities in civil cases. Jurors deliberate in private and must reach a verdict, which in many jurisdictions is unanimous in criminal cases; non-unanimous or majority verdicts may be permitted in others. A hung jury can lead to a mistrial and retrial.

In some legal systems, juries are not used for certain types of cases or at all; bench trials rely on a judge to find both facts and law. The use of juries reflects a democratic check on government power and the community's participation in justice, though practices vary by country and case type.