Petit jury

A petit jury, also known as a trial jury, is a group of ordinary citizens selected to listen to the evidence presented during a criminal or civil trial. Their role is to evaluate the facts, assess the credibility of witnesses, and apply the law as instructed by the judge. After deliberation, they reach a verdict—such as guilty or not guilty in criminal cases, or liable or not liable in civil cases. The petit jury’s function is to ensure that impersonal, community-based judgment is part of the legal process, helping to guarantee fairness and impartiality in trials.