81. petit jury (or trial jury)

What is a Petit Jury (or Trial Jury)?

A petit jury, also known as a trial jury, is a group of citizens selected to hear evidence and render a verdict in a trial. This jury is typically composed of 6 to 12 members and is responsible for determining guilt or liability in criminal and civil cases.

---

Key Features of a Petit Jury

✔ Decides the facts of the case based on evidence presented in court ✔ Determines the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a criminal case ✔ Decides liability and damages in a civil case ✔ Verdicts must be unanimous in federal criminal trials ✔ Jurors are selected through a process called voir dire, where attorneys question potential jurors for biases

---

Examples of Petit Jury in Action

• In a criminal trial, a 12-member petit jury listens to testimony and decides if the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

• In a civil lawsuit, a 6-member jury determines if the defendant is liable and decides on damages.

• In high-profile cases, jurors may be sequestered to prevent outside influence.

---

5 Reference Pages for Petit Jury (Trial Jury) with URLs

1. Legal Information Institute – Petit Jury Definition

   • URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/petit_jury

   • Explanation: Defines petit jury, explains its function, and contrasts it with a grand jury.

2. United States Courts – Petit Jury Overview

   • URL: https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service

   • Explanation: Provides an official description of petit juries and their role in federal courts.

3. FindLaw – The Role of a Petit Jury in a Trial

   • URL: https://www.findlaw.com/litigation/jury-duty/the-role-of-a-petit-jury.html

   • Explanation: Discusses how petit juries are selected, their duties, and their impact on trials.

4. Justia – Petit Jury vs. Grand Jury

   • URL: https://www.justia.com/criminal/juries/grand-jury-vs-petit-jury/

   • Explanation: Explains the differences between petit juries and grand juries, including their roles in the legal system.

5. Wikipedia – Trial Jury

   • URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_trial

   • Explanation: Provides a comprehensive overview of trial juries, including their history, selection process, and variations in different legal systems.

---