The jury is an historic legal institution that involves laypersons in deciding cases brought to trial. The exact characteristics and powers of juries vary greatly by country, province or state; however, in general a random group of citizens are recruited to serve as jurors for a case and given the opportunity to deliberate in secret.
Before the trial begins, the judge will instruct the jury as to what law and evidence they must consider. Then the prosecutor and defense lawyers will present their evidence in a logical and comprehensible manner. This helps the jurors understand and remember the testimony. When the lawyers finish their presentations, they will give their closing arguments. This helps the jury to see how the different pieces of testimony fit together and connect up the facts of the case. The jury will then take an oath or affirmation to decide the case solely on the law and evidence presented in court. Jurors are sworn to be impartial and must not allow their feelings or prejudices to affect the case. If the jury decides the defendant is guilty, it must then decide what sentence to impose.
It is important for the jury to remain together until the verdict is reached. Jurors must not discuss the case with anyone outside of the jury and should not read anything about the case, even in newspapers. Jurors must report to the judge any contact they have with people interested in the case. If a person keeps trying to talk with a juror, the juror should refuse to listen and tell them that it is against the law to discuss the case outside of the courtroom.
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