Jury System
The jury system is a legal process where a group of citizens is selected to hear evidence in a court case and make a decision based on that evidence. Typically, a jury consists of 12 members, who are tasked with determining the guilt or innocence of a defendant in criminal cases, or liability in civil cases. This system aims to ensure that the verdict reflects the community's values and standards.
Juries are chosen through a process called voir dire, where potential jurors are questioned to ensure they can be impartial. The jury's decision, known as a verdict, must usually be unanimous in criminal cases, meaning all jurors must agree. This system is a fundamental part of many legal systems, particularly in the United States.