The term "petty juror" is a legal term used to describe a member of a jury responsible for hearing minor criminal cases. The spelling of this term can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription: /ˈpɛti ˈdʒʊərər/. The first syllable is pronounced as "pet" with a short "e" sound, while the second syllable is "ty" with a short "i" sound. The stress is on the first syllable. The second word, "juror", is pronounced as "joo-ruhr" with the stress on the first syllable.
A petty juror, also known as a trial juror, is an individual who is randomly selected from a pool of eligible citizens to serve on a jury during a trial. Petty jurors play a crucial role in the legal system, as their responsibility is to carefully listen to the evidence presented in a court case and apply the law as instructed by the judge to reach a verdict.
The selection of petty jurors is typically conducted through a process called voir dire, during which potential jurors are questioned by the attorneys to determine their suitability for the specific trial. Once selected, a petty juror is sworn under oath to impartially and objectively evaluate the evidence and deliver a fair verdict.
Petty jurors are expected to possess qualities such as objectivity, open-mindedness, and the ability to analyze the facts presented during the trial. They must diligently follow the proceedings, actively participate in the deliberations, and collectively determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant, or resolve any disputed issues in a civil trial.
It is essential for petty jurors to set aside any personal biases or preconceived notions and solely base their decisions on the evidence and the law. Their involvement in the legal process serves to protect the rights and ensure a fair trial for all parties involved.
Overall, a petty juror is a vital participant in the judicial system, representing the community's voice and contributing to the administration of justice by actively engaging in the decision-making process as part of a jury panel.
The word "petty juror" originated from the Middle English term "petit juré", which can be traced back to the Late Latin word "petitus" meaning "to seek, ask for". In medieval times, a "petit juré" referred to a person selected from a local community to serve on a jury in the English legal system. The term "petty" in this context referred to the smaller or lesser type of jury compared to the "grand jury" which had different responsibilities. Over time, "petty juror" became the commonly used term to describe a member of a jury responsible for determining the verdict in a trial.