jury
//ˈdʒʊri//
Translation
jury
Definition
A jury is a group of people, typically twelve, sworn to give a verdict in a legal case on the basis of evidence presented in court. Juries are used in many legal systems to determine guilt or innocence in criminal trials or to decide liability in civil cases. The members of a jury are usually ordinary citizens selected from the community, and their role is to listen to the evidence, follow the judge's instructions on the law, and reach a unanimous or majority decision. Serving on a jury is considered a civic duty in many countries, and the process is designed to ensure a fair trial by one's peers. The term can also refer to a similar group in non-legal contexts, such as a competition or award selection panel.
Example
“The jury delivered a verdict of not guilty after three hours of deliberation.”
“She was selected to serve on a jury for a criminal trial.”
“The judge instructed the jury to ignore the lawyer's emotional appeal.”
“A hung jury occurs when the members cannot reach a unanimous decision.”
“The jury foreperson read the verdict aloud in the courtroom.”
“During the trial, the jury took notes on the testimony of each witness.”
“The defense attorney challenged the composition of the jury as biased.”
“After the verdict, the jury was dismissed by the judge.”
“In some countries, the right to a trial by jury is guaranteed by the constitution.”
“The jury's decision must be based solely on the evidence presented in court.”
Synonyms