A juror is a member of a jury, which is a group of people selected to hear evidence in a legal case and make a decision based on that evidence. Jurors are typically chosen from the general public and must be impartial, meaning they should not have any biases or preconceived notions about the case. Their primary role is to listen to the testimony, review evidence, and ultimately determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant in a criminal trial or the liability in a civil case.
The process of selecting jurors is known as voir dire, where potential jurors are questioned to ensure they can be fair and unbiased. Once selected, jurors are required to follow specific legal instructions and deliberate together to reach a verdict. Their decision can significantly impact the lives of those involved, including the defendant, the victim, and the community. Jurors play a crucial role in the justice system, helping to uphold the principles of fairness and justice in legal proceedings.