What is the role of the jury in criminal cases?

The role of the jury in criminal cases in Maryland is to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the crime charged. Juries in criminal cases are made up of 12 people who must hear all the evidence presented in the case, then make a decision based on what is presented. A jury must unanimously agree that the defendant is either guilty or not guilty. Jury members must listen to all evidence, determine the facts of the case, and apply the law as it applies to those facts. They must come to an agreement based on what they were presented with and must not be influenced by personal beliefs. Jurors are also obligated to return decisions that are based solely on their collective judgement and must not let outside factors influence the verdict. This includes any information they learned outside of the courtroom, any feelings about the accused, or what the judge may have said about the case. Juries in criminal cases in Maryland are a key part of the criminal justice system and play an important role in ensuring that all those accused of a crime receive fair and just treatment. Juries are relied upon to be impartial and independent in their deliberations, and their involvement in the justice process ensures that all voices are heard.

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