What is the purpose of a criminal jury?

The primary purpose of a criminal jury is to determine whether the accused person is guilty or not guilty of the crime in question. A criminal jury consists of twelve people who are chosen from the local community and must be unbiased in their decision making. The jury is asked to review all evidence presented to them by both the prosecution and the defense, such as witness testimony and physical evidence, and then decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A criminal jury is also tasked with ensuring that a fair trial is conducted. Juries have the authority to ask for more information from both the prosecution and defense if they feel that additional evidence is needed to come to an informed decision. This helps to ensure that the jury hears all sides of the story before rendering a verdict. Finally, a criminal jury is also responsible for determining a sentence if the accused is found guilty. The jury considers the severity of the crime, the defendant’s prior record, and any applicable state or federal laws when making their decision. This helps to ensure that the accused receives an appropriate sentence based on the verdict. Overall, the purpose of a criminal jury is to review evidence, ensure a fair trial, and determine a sentence for the accused. It is the jury’s job to act as impartial fact finders and to come to an unbiased conclusion.

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