What is the purpose of a criminal jury?
The purpose of a criminal jury is to provide a fair and independent decision-making body when someone has been accused of a criminal offense. The jury is the final arbiter of guilt or innocence in a criminal trial. In Florida, the jury is selected from residents of the county where the trial is held. The jury is tasked with listening to the evidence presented in the trial and then making a decision based on the facts presented to them. The jury must be impartial and must abide by the instructions given to them by the judge. The jury is responsible for deciding if the accused is guilty or not guilty of the charged crimes. It is the jury’s duty to make sure the accused receives a fair trial. While the jury is expected to follow the law as explained by the judge, they have the power to find the defendant guilty or not guilty, depending on the evidence presented. The jury’s decision must be unanimous in order to convict the accused, but it can also acquit the accused if the majority of the jury does not feel there is enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Criminal jury trials are a cornerstone of the American justice system and serve to ensure that everyone accused of a crime is afforded a full and fair trial.
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