All of us are aware of the significance of a jury in a country’s judicial system. Juries sit in courtrooms, hear cases, and determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Jurors, who make up the jury, do not need to have any legal knowledge. There are two types of juries in US courts: trial juries and grand juries, with trial juries also being referred to as Petit juries. This article will explore the differences between these two types of juries in terms of their roles and responsibilities.
What is a Grand Jury?
A grand jury consists of 23 jurors. Its primary purpose is to determine whether there is enough evidence to hold an accused individual accountable for a crime. When a person is accused of a crime and sent to trial, the jury must decide if the person is genuinely guilty of the crime they are accused of. The grand jury reaches its verdict after examining all of the evidence presented by the prosecutors. It can indict, not indict, or just pass. If a grand jury indicts a person, it means that the jury believes there is enough evidence to hold the person guilty and proceed with a trial. The public is not privy to the proceedings of a Grand Jury. The state prosecutor presents all the evidence against the accused during the proceedings, but the jury is in control as they determine the accused’s guilt. There is no role for the defense attorney in grand jury proceedings.
What is a Petit Jury?
Petit juries, also known as trial juries, are smaller in size than grand juries, with 6-12 jurors selected at random. The primary purpose of a petit jury is to hear the complete case and decide the verdict, whether the accused should be acquitted or convicted according to the law. Petit jury proceedings are held in public view, allowing any member of the public to observe the trial.
Key Takeaways
- A Petit jury is smaller in size (6-12 jurors) than a grand jury (16-23 jurors).
- A grand jury determines whether there is enough evidence to indict an accused (whether or not to hold a trial), while a Petit jury decides on the verdict of acquittal or conviction.
- Grand jury proceedings are held in closed rooms and are not open to the public, while Petit jury proceedings are public.
