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Jury: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Legal Definition and Function
Definition & Meaning
A jury is a group of individuals from the local community selected to make decisions in legal cases. Their primary role is to evaluate evidence and determine the facts of a case, which can involve deciding on issues such as liability or the amount of damages in civil cases. In criminal cases, the jury assesses the guilt or innocence of the accused. While juries typically consist of twelve members, some jurisdictions allow for fewer jurors if both parties agree. The judge oversees the trial and provides instructions to the jury on how to apply the law to the facts presented.
Table of content
Legal Use & context
Juries play a crucial role in both civil and criminal legal proceedings. In civil lawsuits, juries can determine the outcome based on a majority vote, while in criminal trials, a unanimous decision is generally required for a conviction. This term is relevant in various areas of law, including:
Civil law
Criminal law
Family law (in some cases)
Users can manage some jury-related processes using legal templates available through US Legal Forms, especially in civil cases where they may need to prepare for jury selection or related documentation.
Key legal elements
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
Example 1: In a personal injury case, a jury may be tasked with determining whether the defendant was negligent and, if so, how much compensation the plaintiff should receive.
Example 2: In a criminal trial, the jury must decide whether the evidence presented proves the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt (hypothetical example).
State-by-state differences
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
State
Jury Size
Verdict Requirement
California
12
Unanimous
Oregon
12
10 of 12
Texas
12
Unanimous
This is not a complete list. State laws vary and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
Comparison with related terms
Term
Definition
Key Differences
Jury
A group of peers deciding a case
Involves community members; verdicts can be majority or unanimous
Bench Trial
A trial by a judge without a jury
No jury involved; judge makes all decisions
Common misunderstandings
What to do if this term applies to you
If you are involved in a legal matter that may require a jury, consider the following steps:
Understand your right to a jury trial and whether it applies to your case.
Review the jury selection process and prepare for potential jury duty.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates related to jury trials and other legal documents.
If your case is complex, consult with a legal professional for tailored advice.
Find the legal form that fits your case
Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.