What is the role of the jury in criminal cases?

In criminal cases in Virginia, a jury plays an important role. A jury is a group of citizens, randomly selected from the local area, who listen to the facts of the case presented in court. The jury then decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In order to reach a verdict, jurors must first decide whether the prosecution has proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a very high standard, and requires jurors to look carefully at all the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense. Once the jurors have heard all the evidence, they must discuss it amongst themselves and decide whether they are confident that the prosecution has presented a strong argument. Jurors are also responsible for determining the appropriate sentence for the defendant if they find them guilty. Different types of punishment can range from jail time to fines, and the jury must consider all information regarding the defendant’s background and the severity of their crime when making a decision. Ultimately, the jury plays a major role in criminal cases in Virginia. Jurors are responsible for assessing the evidence presented in court and making a judgment as to whether the defendant is guilty or innocent, as well as determining the appropriate sentence if they find the defendant guilty.

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What is the role of the jury in criminal cases?

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