A jury member is a person who serves on a group of people called a jury. The jury listens to evidence in a trial and determines if someone is guilty or not guilty. There are various types of jurors, including grand jurors who decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial, and petit jurors who decide the final verdict. The presiding juror is the one who leads the jury during their discussions and announces the final decision. Occasionally, there may be a stealth juror who conceals their true feelings or intentions in order to be on the jury. A tales-juror is someone chosen from the community to serve on a jury if there aren’t enough people available from the regular jury pool.
A person who serves on a jury panel is now referred to as a juror, replacing the archaic term. There are various types of jurors with different roles in the legal system. For example, a grand juror serves on a grand jury, which determines if there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges. A petit juror, on the other hand, decides whether someone is guilty or not guilty of a crime in a trial. The presiding juror is the one who chairs the jury during deliberations and announces the verdict in court. This individual is typically elected by the jury at the beginning of deliberations. A stealth juror is someone who conceals a potential bias or conflict of interest in order to serve on a jury, potentially influencing the trial’s outcome or seeking personal gain from inside access to jury deliberations. The term “tales-juror,” which is also archaic, has been replaced by “talesman” and refers to someone who is summoned for jury duty but not selected to serve on a specific jury. These examples highlight the different types of jurors and their respective roles within the legal system. Grand jurors and petit jurors have distinct functions in the criminal justice system, while the presiding juror leads the jury’s deliberations. The fairness of a trial can be compromised by a stealth juror who hides biases or conflicts of interest. Lastly, a tales-juror is an individual who is summoned for jury duty but ultimately not chosen to serve on a jury.
No, a juryman is expected to be impartial and unbiased when serving on a jury. They must base their decisions solely on the evidence presented in court.
In most jurisdictions, the qualifications to become a juryman include being a citizen, being of a certain age (usually 18 or older), and having the ability to understand and communicate in the language used in court.
Yes, there are certain circumstances where a juryman can be excused from jury duty, such as if they have a valid reason that prevents them from serving, such as a medical condition or a conflict of interest.
No, it is generally prohibited for a juryman to discuss the case with anyone, including other jurors, during the trial. This ensures that their decision is based solely on the evidence presented in court.
No, a juryman cannot be held personally liable for their decision in a trial. They are protected by the principle of jury immunity, which shields them from legal action related to their verdict.
Yes, a juryman can be removed from a trial if they are found to be biased, have a conflict of interest, or if they engage in misconduct during the trial.
Yes, in most jurisdictions, juryman are compensated for their service. The amount of compensation varies depending on the jurisdiction and the length of the trial.
While it is possible for media coverage to influence a juryman, they are instructed to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court. If a juryman is found to have been influenced by media coverage, it can be grounds for a mistrial.
No, it is illegal to select a juryman based on their race, gender, or any other protected characteristic. The selection process must be fair and impartial.
Yes, in certain high-profile or sensitive cases, the jury may be sequestered, meaning they are isolated from the outside world for the duration of the trial. This is done to prevent outside influences from affecting their decision-making process.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
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