What is the primary responsibility of a jury?

The primary responsibility of a jury is to determine guilt or innocence based solely on courtroom evidence. This role is fundamental to the judicial process in a trial setting, particularly in criminal cases. A jury, composed of citizens, listens to the evidence presented during the trial, including testimonies, exhibits, and arguments from both the prosecution and defense. Based on this evidence, the jury deliberates and reaches a verdict, evaluating whether the evidence meets the standard of proof required, which is "beyond a reasonable doubt" in criminal cases.

This role of the jury is rooted in the principle of trial by peers, ensuring that the verdict is not decided solely by a judge, but rather by a group of community members who bring diverse perspectives to the evaluation of the facts. While jurors may also take into account the credibility of witnesses and the applicability of the law as explained by the judge, their central duty is to make a decision regarding the facts and ascertain the innocence or guilt of the accused based on the evidence presented in court. This separation of responsibilities helps maintain a fair and impartial justice system.