A Petit Jury is a group of citizens selected to hear evidence in a legal case and make a decision based on that evidence. Typically consisting of 6 to 12 members, this jury is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of a defendant in criminal trials or deciding liability in civil cases. Their verdict must usually be unanimous or, in some jurisdictions, a supermajority.
During a trial, the Petit Jury listens to testimonies, examines evidence, and deliberates in private to reach a conclusion. Their role is crucial in upholding the right to a fair trial, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment in the United States Constitution.