Pronunciation: [tɹˈa͡ɪə͡l d͡ʒˈʊ͡əɹi] (IPA) 
The phrase "trial jury" is spelled as /ˈtraɪ.əl ˈdʒʊə.ri/. The first part of the word, "trial," is pronounced with a long "i" sound as in "eye," while the second part, "jury," uses a short "u" sound as in "but." The stress is on the first syllable of trial, but the stress on "jury" is less prominent. A trial jury is a group of individuals sworn to hear a case and determine guilt or innocence in a court of law.
A trial jury, also known as a petit jury, is a group of individuals selected from the community to make factual determinations in a court trial. Comprised of a set number of citizens, usually 12 in most jurisdictions, a trial jury plays a critical role in the legal system. Their primary duty is to listen to the evidence presented in a case, evaluate the credibility of witnesses, and apply the law as instructed by the judge to render a verdict at the conclusion of the trial.
Trial juries are chosen through a selection process called voir dire, where potential jurors are questioned by both the prosecution and the defense to determine their suitability and impartiality for the particular case. Once selected, the members of the jury are required to attend all proceedings of the trial, including the presentation of evidence, examination of witnesses, and arguments by the respective parties.
The trial jury's decision, known as the verdict, must be reached unanimously in most criminal cases, while in civil cases, it may be determined by a majority vote. The verdict can be either guilty or not guilty in criminal cases, or liable or not liable in civil cases. It is essential to note that the trial jury's role is limited to factual determination and does not include the interpretation of the law, which is reserved for the judge.
The use of a trial jury is a fundamental principle of many legal systems, aiming to ensure fairness, impartiality, and the inclusion of the community's perspective in the administration of justice.
The word "trial" originated from the Old French word "trial" which meant "test or examination". It further traces its roots back to the Latin word "trialis" meaning "pertaining to a crossroad or place of public assembly".
The word "jury" comes from the Old French word "juria" which was derived from the Latin word "jurare" meaning "to swear an oath". In ancient Rome, a jury was composed of individuals who swore an oath to deliver a fair and unbiased verdict.
When combined, the term "trial jury" refers to a group of individuals who are sworn in to examine and give a verdict on the facts and evidence presented during a trial.
