Jury is a group of men and women who meet regularly to decide questions of fact in criminal trials, and in some civil cases, as well. They are a critical part of the legal system, ensuring that laws reflect the community’s values and standards. Generally, the jury consists of twelve jurors in serious criminal trials and fewer in civil cases.
The judge will then give the jury some important instructions about how to consider the evidence in the case. Among other things, they will tell the jurors that they must not listen to any opinions of outsiders about the case and they must only consider the evidence presented in the trial itself. They will also explain what facts are relevant to the case and which are not. They will also give the jury a clear explanation of the law related to those facts.
Once the jurors have received these instructions they will be asked to sign a document declaring that they will not reveal anything that they hear during the course of the trial. They will then take an oath or affirmation, usually using the Bible or another holy book as appropriate for their religion.
The judge may remove jurors from the panel for a number of reasons, but they must have a good reason. The prosecution and defence lawyers have a set number of challenges they can use to eliminate people from the jury, called peremptory challenges. If the judge accepts a challenge, that person will not be able to serve on that particular jury, but they will be eligible to be considered for future juries.