In this blog, we will find both jury positions and their responsibilities. Moreover, we are going to know about jury judgment values and more. Therefore, read the blog
What is a Jury?
A jury is a jury composed of sworn individuals appointed to hear evidence, make factual decisions, render impartial verdicts formally presented by the court, or determine a penalty or sentence. The jury developed in England during the Middle Ages and is a distinctive feature of the English common law system
Role
The jury listens to evidence, witnesses’ testimonies, and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense. Afterward, they deliberate privately and reach a verdict.
Importance of the Jury System
The jury system is a fundamental component of the justice system, embodying the principles of:
Democracy: It allows ordinary citizens to participate in the judicial process, providing a check on the power of judges and lawyers.
Fairness: A jury of peers is thought to be more likely to deliver a fair and impartial verdict, free from governmental or institutional bias.
Public Confidence: Jury trials enhance public trust in the legal system by ensuring transparency and accountability.
Who is Grand Jury?
The grand jury helps the prosecutor decide whether to file criminal charges against a suspect. While the grand jury system can vary by jurisdiction, it is most often used in state and federal felony cases. Federal grand juries typically contain of 16 to 23 people. Grand jurors may have jury duty for several months at a time.
Role
Grand juries meet in secret, and their proceedings are confidential. They can subpoena witnesses and documents, and their decision on whether to indict (also known as a “true bill”) is based on a majority vote
Key Differences
| Aspect | Jury (Petit Jury) | Grand Jury |
| Purpose | Determine guilt or liability | Determine if sufficient evidence for trial |
| Number of Members | 6 to 12 | 16 to 23 |
| Public/Private | Public trial | Secret proceedings |
| Decision | Verdict: guilty/not guilty | Indictment: true bill/no bill |
| Defense Role | Defense presents evidence and argues | No defense involvement |
Types of Jury
Petit Jury
A petit jury, is also know as a trial jury, decides both criminal and civil cases. In a criminal case, a petit jury resolves whether the government has proven beyond a sensible doubt that the defendant loyal the crime charged. In a civil case, a petit jury decides whether the plaintiff has established by evidence that the defendant caused the plaintiff injury in some way that warrants just compensation. It has a much lower standard of proof than a criminal trial because the independence of either party is not at issue in a civil case.
- Petit juries consist of 6 to 12 people.
- Trials are usually public, but jury deliberations are private.
- Petit juries render a verdict of guilty/not guilty in a criminal case or in favor of the defendant or accuser in a civil case.
- Petit juries hear a maximum of one case and are then acquitted.
Grand Jury
- Consists of 16-23 grand jurors.
- Proceedings are private.
- Grand jurors generally serve up to 18 months, but can serve for up to 24 months, if an extension is granted by a judge.
- Grand jurors consider multiple cases over the course of their term of service.
Conclusion
Both types of juries are essential to the legal process, providing checks and balances within the judicial system by involving ordinary citizens in the administration of justice.
Helpful Resources
