Jury Trial Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Jury Trial, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Jury Trial?

It is a civil or criminal trial which the case is decided by the jury who conducts the proceedings and takes decsion,unlike a normal trial where the judge takes the decision.Jury is composed of selected members of the society.The common number of jury members is twelve but difers from sate to state.Jury trial is a fundamental right but has its exception in matters related to bankruptcy, divorce cases, juvenile cases etc.

History and Meaning of Jury Trial

Jury trial is a legal proceeding in which the case is decided by the jury instead of a judge. The tradition of jury trials can be traced back to ancient Greece, but the modern system of jury trials as we know it today originated in England in the 12th century. The purpose of a jury trial is to ensure a fair and impartial verdict by providing a group of impartial citizens to examine the evidence and render a judgment.

Examples of Jury Trial

  1. In a criminal case, a jury trial is held to determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
  2. In a civil case, a jury trial is held to determine liability and damages.
  3. In a medical malpractice case, a jury trial may be held to determine whether a healthcare provider was negligent in their treatment of a patient.
  4. In a defamation case, a jury trial may be held to determine whether the defendant made defamatory statements about the plaintiff.
  5. In a breach of contract case, a jury trial may be held to determine whether one party failed to uphold their obligations under the contract.

Legal Terms Similar to Jury Trial

  1. Bench Trial - A trial in which the judge alone makes the decision, without a jury.
  2. Grand Jury - A group of individuals who determine whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against a defendant.
  3. Petite Jury - A group of individuals who hear evidence in a criminal or civil trial and render a verdict.