Jury is the legal process in which a group of ordinary citizens serves as a check on our justice system, ensuring that legal decisions reflect community values and standards. The jury of 12 people sits to one side of the judge during a trial and weighs evidence presented by the lawyers. They listen to opening statements and closing arguments and then retire to discuss the case in private. The judge gives them specific instructions about how to weigh the evidence and apply the law.
The jury’s decision is the final word in court. But it’s not always easy. People often feel a strong sense of personal connection to the case or the defendant, and their opinions may be swayed by emotion or experience. Jury selection laws aim to ensure that the jury reflects the community and is capable of making impartial decisions.
It takes a lot of time to get a jury together. During the jury selection process, attorneys for each party ask prospective jurors questions and then use ‘challenges for cause’ or ‘peremptory challenges’ to reject jurors who might not be suitable for a particular case. The goal is to assemble a jury of citizens who will be capable of rendering a fair and impartial verdict.
Fulfilling your jury duty can mean missing work for sustained periods and incurring costs like travel and meals. But it also offers a unique opportunity to engage with your local justice system, learn about the law and contribute to civic life by upholding the principle of “trial by peers.” It’s a role that can be rewarding and exciting but can also feel inconvenient and frustrating at times.