Jury Selection in the United States
Random Selection from Fair Pools
Jury selection for both grand and petit juries involves the random selection of members from a pool of citizens drawn from various sources, including voter registration lists and driver's license records. This process ensures a fair and representative cross-section of the community.
Qualifications and Exemptions
Potential jurors must meet certain qualifications, such as being over 18 years old, a US citizen, and a resident of the jurisdiction for a specified period of time. However, certain individuals may be exempt from jury duty, including those with legal disabilities, members of the clergy, peace officers, and certain medical professionals.
Grand Jury Investigation
Grand juries are composed of 16 to 23 members and are tasked with investigating potential criminal conduct and determining whether to issue indictments. They hear evidence presented by prosecutors and may issue subpoenas to compel witnesses to testify. Based on the evidence presented, the grand jury votes to determine if there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, in which case an indictment is issued.
Petit Jury Trial
Petit juries are composed of 6 to 12 members and are responsible for deciding the guilt or innocence of defendants in criminal cases. They listen to testimony from witnesses, review evidence, and deliberate to reach a verdict. Petit jury selection involves a process known as voir dire, where attorneys for both sides question potential jurors to determine their impartiality and suitability for the case. During jury selection, both parties have the right to challenge potential jurors for cause, meaning they can provide specific reasons why an individual should not serve on the jury. Additionally, each side is granted a limited number of peremptory challenges, allowing them to remove jurors without providing a reason. By ensuring that juries are selected from fair pools of citizens and that they meet certain qualifications, the United States maintains a system of justice that is impartial and representative of the community.
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