What's Juror #2 about?
Asked by: Vidal Klocko PhD | Last update: May 21, 2026Score: 5/5 (7 votes)
A juror is a person who serves on a jury, a group of citizens sworn to impartially hear evidence in a court case and deliver a verdict (like guilty/not guilty) or a decision, based solely on the law and facts presented. They are selected from the public, often from lists like voter registrations, and their duty involves listening to a trial and deliberate with other jurors to reach a collective judgment.
What is the definition of a juror?
Anyone who's a member of a jury in a court of law is called a juror. When you serve as a juror, you're part of a group that hears evidence in a trial and gives a verdict.
What does the juror do?
You and your fellow-jurors will decide all disputed questions of fact. The judge who presides over the trial will decide the technical questions of law, but you, the jury, will have to consider all the evidence and, from what you see and hear during the trial, determine what the facts of the case really are.
Why are there 12 people on a jury?
The tradition of 12 jurors stems from English common law, symbolizing completeness (like 12 months/zodiac signs) and ensuring diverse community perspectives for fair deliberation, though the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1970 that smaller juries are constitutional, especially in non-felony cases, acknowledging the historical roots but allowing for flexibility in modern court systems. While originally rooted in historical accident and religious/cultural significance, 12-person juries are still favored for serious crimes due to better representation and deliberation quality.
Why do people do jury duty?
Jury service is one the highest duties of American citizenship. In order to assure this right is afforded to all individuals, it is necessary for people in the community to be summoned to serve as jurors. Serving as a juror will also give you an opportunity to learn about the justice system and how your courts operate.
Juror #2 | Official Trailer
Is it rare to be picked for jury duty?
Yes, being picked for an actual jury is relatively rare, even if you get a summons, as many people are disqualified, excused, or don't show up; statistics suggest fewer than 5% of those summoned actually end up on a jury, with most jury duty experiences involving reporting but not being selected for a specific trial, a process called "deselection".
Is jury duty hard?
Being on a jury is a rewarding experience which in some cases may be quite demanding. You were asked to listen to testimony and to examine facts and evidence. Coming to decisions is often not easy, but your participation is appreciated.
What cases need a jury?
Juries are needed for both criminal cases, where they decide guilt or innocence for crimes like theft or murder, and civil cases, which involve disputes between individuals or organizations, such as personal injury, contract breaches, or property issues, with jurors determining facts and awarding damages. While serious felonies almost always involve juries, some lesser misdemeanors might go to a judge, and juvenile cases generally don't have juries unless serious charges are involved.
How many people sit on a jury?
A jury must begin with at least 6 and no more than 12 members, and each juror must participate in the verdict unless excused under Rule 47(c). (b) Verdict. Unless the parties stipulate otherwise, the verdict must be unanimous and must be returned by a jury of at least 6 members.
What is the point of a jury?
Trial juries hear both criminal and civil cases and are tasked with rendering a verdict on the charges presented. A juror's primary responsibilities are to: Determine whether the government met its burden of proof: A common misconception is that jurors judge the defendant's guilt.
Is being a juror good?
It's a great experience, so embrace it! and enjoy it! Try to be fair and impartial to both the defense and the prosecution. Listen to the facts, not the feelings. It is an amazing and powerful opportunity and experience – one that will strengthen your sense of humanity and your own responsibility.
What happens if a jury can't agree?
If the jury cannot agree on a verdict on one or more counts, the court may declare a mistrial on those counts. A hung jury does not imply either the defendant's guilt or innocence. The government may retry any defendant on any count on which the jury could not agree."
Who is more powerful, a judge or a jury?
Neither the jury nor the judge is universally "more powerful"; they have distinct roles, but in most criminal trials, the jury holds the ultimate power to decide guilt or innocence (the verdict), while the judge controls the legal process, determines what evidence is admitted, and imposes the sentence. The jury acts as the finder of fact and applies the law as instructed, but the judge ensures fairness, manages evidence (ruling on objections), and interprets the law, making them powerful in shaping the trial's direction and outcome.
Is jury duty a pain?
Trial by jury is meant to be an important safeguard in ensuring justice and keeping courts responsive to the people they serve. But today, jury duty is often seen as a pain — whether an annoying inconvenience or genuine hardship. One major challenge is that jurors are often forced to miss work.
Can anyone be a juror?
be able to adequately read, write, understand, and speak the English language; have no disqualifying mental or physical condition that cannot be addressed with an accommodation; not currently be subject to felony charges punishable by imprisonment for more than one year; and.
Is a jury trial serious?
Jury trials are used in a significant share of serious criminal cases in many common law judicial systems, but not all. Juries or lay judges have also been incorporated into the legal systems of many civil law countries for criminal cases.
How does a jury work?
The jury finds the facts in the case based on what evidence is presented to them through testimony or in exhibits from the parties admitted into evidence by the judge during the proceedings. At the end of a trial, the judge instructs the jury on the applicable law.
What happens if you fall asleep during jury duty?
If you fall asleep during jury duty, a court officer or the judge will likely wake you up, and you could be dismissed from the jury for inattentiveness, potentially leading to a mistrial if you miss crucial evidence, though minor dozing might just result in a warning, while repeated sleeping is grounds for removal and requires a judge to decide if the trial fairness was compromised.
What are jurors not allowed to do?
Key Concepts. Jurors are prohibited from any conduct that would interfere with ensuring a fair and impartial trial, such as having contact with the parties, talking with other people about the case, or allowing outside information or evidence to influence the jury's decision.
What crimes don't get a jury?
Typically, minor offenses and misdemeanors are handled without juries, often because they involve less severe penalties and simpler legal issues. These cases are usually resolved through bench trials, where a judge assumes the role of both the fact-finder and the arbiter of law.
What is the hardest case to win in court?
The hardest cases to win in court often involve high emotional stakes, complex evidence, or specific defenses like insanity, with sexual assault, crimes against children, and white-collar crimes frequently cited as challenging due to juror bias, weak physical evidence, or technical complexity. The insanity defense is notoriously difficult because it shifts the burden of proof and faces public skepticism.
What happens if a juror gets sick?
If you're sick for jury duty, contact the court's jury office immediately to explain your situation, as they will likely require a doctor's note or medical documentation to excuse you or defer your service to a later date, preventing potential penalties for failing to appear. It's crucial to notify them before your service date to avoid being marked absent, which could lead to fines or even being brought to court by police.
Can you cry as a juror?
Crying alone may not be juror misconduct. But there are circumstances where a juror's emotions may result in an unfair trial. Laurie Levenson, professor at Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, said it has been a difficult problem for courts to sort out.
What are the dangers of being a juror?
It is not unusual for jurors to report sleeplessness, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or the feeling that images from the trial replay in their minds. In some cases, the fallout mirrors the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.
How to survive jury duty?
Staying Positive
- Accept being on the jury. Jury duty is part of being a citizen. ...
- Take care of yourself physically. As a juror, you'll probably be sitting for long periods of time. ...
- Engage with the judicial process. ...
- Take care of yourself emotionally. ...
- Remember that your daily payment is not taxable.