A jury is a sworn body of people (usually 12 for criminal cases and fewer for civil cases) whose duty it is to hear evidence and render an impartial verdict in a trial. A jury’s role is to provide a check on the judicial system by ensuring that trial outcomes reflect community values and perceptions of justice. The process of selecting and assembling jurors, as well as the law governing jury service, is designed to ensure that a jury will be representative of the community.
During the jury selection process, questions are asked to determine whether panel members have any personal interest or knowledge in the case. Panel members also are asked whether they know the parties, their lawyers, or the witnesses who will appear during trial. If any potential juror has a bias or prejudice that might influence their decision, the court will tell them that they cannot serve on the jury and will excuse them from the trial. The judge will then randomly select a number from the jury panel and call it. If the clerk calls your panel number, you should answer “yes” and then proceed to the jury box in the courtroom where you will sit throughout the trial.
The jury will be instructed by the judge as to the law that applies to each case. The judge will instruct the jury that it is up to the Government to prove that a defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt and that a conviction requires the unanimous agreement of the jury.