What are jury members called?

What are jury members called?

juror
A member of a jury is called a juror. A juror is supposed to be impartial. This means that he or she is to be fair and listen to both sides of the story without deciding what side they will take ahead of time.

Who composes the jury?

Twelve people, and alternates, make up a criminal jury. A unanimous decision must be reached before a defendant is found “guilty.” The government must prove the crime was committed “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Guilty pleas and plea negotiations reduce the need for juries in criminal cases.

Why do some jurors get dismissed?

Either side can ask a judge to dismiss a juror for cause, meaning they believe a juror is biased or lacks the ability to serve. If a judge accepts the challenge, the attorney who issued the strike then has to present a “race-neutral” reason for dismissal.

Is jury duty mandatory?

Is jury duty mandatory? Yes. The United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in both criminal and civil cases. Your participation as a juror helps make that possible.

How are the jurors chosen for a trial?

Courthouses are chosen to help keep jury pools diverse — Jurors are randomly assigned to courthouses within their judicial districts, which is usually the county. The goal is to make sure that the jury pool in each court has a mix of people from all over the district, not just those who live closest to the courthouse.

What is the name of the leader of the jury?

Jury deliberations are led by the leader of the jury, called a jury foreman. Juries return their verdict, or decision, to the judge. In some jurisdictions, the verdict must be unanimous, meaning all jurors must agree. In other jurisdictions, the verdict must simply reflect the majority.

How does jury service work in the United States?

Jury service is a way for U.S. citizens to participate in the judicial process. Each district court randomly selects citizens’ names from lists of registered voters and people with drivers licenses who live in that district. The people randomly selected complete a questionnaire to help determine if they are qualified to serve on a jury.

How many juries are there in the United States?

The U.S. uses juries for most types of trials, from murder to bank robbery. Some other countries use juries less regularly. Most countries do not use juries at all. The number of jurors used in jury trials varies. In the U.S., juries are made up of 12 jurors.