Jury independence refers to the ability of a jury to make decisions based solely on the evidence presented during a trial, without outside influence or pressure. This principle is essential to ensure a fair legal process, allowing jurors to evaluate facts impartially and reach a verdict based on their own judgment. To maintain jury independence, legal systems implement various safeguards, such as jury selection processes and instructions from the judge. These measures help protect jurors from external factors, including media coverage or public opinion, ensuring that their decisions reflect only the evidence related to the case at hand.