The purpose of a jury is to decide guilt or innocence based on evidence presented in the trial. Juries are used in countries whose legal systems are based on English common law, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Ireland. Juries are not used in countries that follow other legal systems such as European civil law or Islamic sharia law, where the determination of guilt is typically made by a single judge.
The process of jury selection begins when the sheriff or constable visits your home to show you the summons paperwork (venire). Once the venire is complete, court staff will randomly select a pool of potential jurors from which a jury will be chosen. This is called ‘jury selection’ and it involves attorneys from both sides asking questions of each potential juror in a process known as ‘voir dire’, to assess their impartiality and suitability to serve on the jury. Potential jurors may be excused from the panel if they exhibit any indications of bias or conflicts of interest. Attorneys may use ‘challenges’ to do this, which must be backed by a specific reason, or ‘peremptory challenges’, where no explanation is required.
Once a jury is selected, the trial proceeds with the presentation of evidence through testimony from witnesses and by exhibits that have been admitted into evidence. The judge will also provide jury instructions. During the trial, it is important that jurors do not loiter in corridors or vestibules of the courthouse. Outside communication, such as telephone calls, text messages or social media posts is strictly prohibited. In addition, jurors must not discuss the case with anyone other than members of their jury and should avoid reading newspaper articles or listening to radio and TV broadcasts about the case.
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