Juries in Criminal Cases

Learn all about the jury process.

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Trial by jury is the American way, particularly when it comes to criminal cases. The ways in which juries are selected and make decisions aren't simply fascinating—they're crucial to fair trials. If judges, lawyers, or juries don't follow procedure, convictions may be invalid.

Overview

Jury Selection in Criminal Cases
Learn about the process of selecting a jury in a criminal case.
Discrimination in Jury Selection
Prosecutors sometimes excuse potential jurors for what appear to be discriminatory reasons. Learn what the defense can do about it.
What is jury nullification?
Jurors are supposed to follow the law, but sometimes don't. Learn why they don't, and what the result is.
What happens when out-of-court factors influence jurors' decisions?
We like to think that juries decide cases only on the evidence before them, but external influences can be pervasive. Learn about what happens when these influences affect jurors.
Can lawyers discriminate against jurors because of sexual orientation?
Lawyers aren’t allowed to dismiss prospective jurors for discriminatory reasons, at least when it comes to race and gender. But even after the DOMA decision, it’s not as clear whether they can exclude people because of sexual orientation.
What happens when jurors sleep or don't pay attention during trial?
Sometimes (perhaps more than we'd like to think) jurors don't pay attention in court. Learn what the result is.
California May Extend Jury Duty to Noncitizens
California may soon become the first state to allow immigrants with green cards to sit on juries.