The Role of the Jury

Description: This quiz covers the role of the jury in the criminal justice system, including the selection process, the duties and responsibilities of jurors, and the verdict.
Number of Questions: 14
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Tags: criminal procedure jury trial
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What is the primary function of a jury in a criminal trial?

  1. To determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant

  2. To determine the sentence for the defendant

  3. To select the judge for the trial

  4. To determine the rules of evidence for the trial


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The jury's primary function is to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charges against them.

Who is responsible for selecting jurors for a trial?

  1. The judge

  2. The prosecutor

  3. The defense attorney

  4. A random selection process


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Jurors are typically selected through a random selection process, such as a lottery or computer-generated list.

What are the qualifications to serve as a juror?

  1. Must be a citizen of the United States

  2. Must be at least 18 years old

  3. Must be able to read and write English

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In order to serve as a juror, an individual must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years old, and able to read and write English.

What is the process called by which attorneys question potential jurors before a trial?

  1. Voir dire

  2. Jury selection

  3. Pretrial conference

  4. Opening statements


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Voir dire is the process by which attorneys question potential jurors to determine if they are qualified to serve and if they have any biases or conflicts of interest.

What is the role of the jury during a trial?

  1. To listen to the evidence and determine the facts of the case

  2. To apply the law to the facts and reach a verdict

  3. To decide the sentence for the defendant

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The jury's role during a trial is to listen to the evidence and determine the facts of the case, apply the law to the facts and reach a verdict, and decide the sentence for the defendant.

What is the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction?

  1. Beyond a reasonable doubt

  2. Clear and convincing evidence

  3. Preponderance of the evidence

  4. Probable cause


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In a criminal trial, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

What is the difference between a unanimous verdict and a majority verdict?

  1. A unanimous verdict requires all jurors to agree on the verdict, while a majority verdict requires only a majority of jurors to agree

  2. A unanimous verdict is more common than a majority verdict

  3. A majority verdict is more common than a unanimous verdict

  4. There is no difference between a unanimous verdict and a majority verdict


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

A unanimous verdict requires all jurors to agree on the verdict, while a majority verdict requires only a majority of jurors to agree.

What happens if the jury cannot reach a verdict?

  1. The judge declares a mistrial

  2. The jury is instructed to continue deliberating until a verdict is reached

  3. The defendant is acquitted

  4. The defendant is convicted


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

If the jury cannot reach a verdict, the judge declares a mistrial.

What is the role of the jury in a civil trial?

  1. To determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant

  2. To determine the amount of damages to be awarded to the plaintiff

  3. To select the judge for the trial

  4. To determine the rules of evidence for the trial


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

In a civil trial, the jury's role is to determine the amount of damages to be awarded to the plaintiff.

What is the difference between a petit jury and a grand jury?

  1. A petit jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant, while a grand jury decides whether to indict the defendant

  2. A petit jury is composed of 12 jurors, while a grand jury is composed of 23 jurors

  3. A petit jury meets in public, while a grand jury meets in secret

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

A petit jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant, while a grand jury decides whether to indict the defendant. A petit jury is composed of 12 jurors, while a grand jury is composed of 23 jurors. A petit jury meets in public, while a grand jury meets in secret.

What is the constitutional right to a trial by jury?

  1. The Sixth Amendment

  2. The Seventh Amendment

  3. The Eighth Amendment

  4. The Ninth Amendment


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The constitutional right to a trial by jury is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment.

What are some of the challenges facing the jury system?

  1. The high cost of jury trials

  2. The length of jury trials

  3. The difficulty of selecting impartial jurors

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Some of the challenges facing the jury system include the high cost of jury trials, the length of jury trials, and the difficulty of selecting impartial jurors.

What are some of the reforms that have been proposed to address the challenges facing the jury system?

  1. Reducing the number of jurors required for a verdict

  2. Using technology to streamline the jury selection process

  3. Providing jurors with more information about the case

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Some of the reforms that have been proposed to address the challenges facing the jury system include reducing the number of jurors required for a verdict, using technology to streamline the jury selection process, and providing jurors with more information about the case.

What is the future of the jury system?

  1. The jury system will continue to be used in criminal and civil trials

  2. The jury system will be replaced by a system of judges

  3. The jury system will be replaced by a system of arbitration

  4. The jury system will be replaced by a system of technology


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The jury system is a fundamental part of the American justice system and is likely to continue to be used in criminal and civil trials for many years to come.

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