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

The role of a jury in a criminal trial is to assess matters of fact. This means that the jury is responsible for examining the evidence presented during the trial and determining what actually happened in the specific case they are hearing. Jurors consider testimonies, physical evidence, and other relevant information to come to a conclusion about the defendant's guilt or innocence. They make these determinations based on the standard of 'beyond a reasonable doubt,' meaning they must be firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt to deliver a verdict of guilty.

Unlike legal experts or judges, juries do not rule on matters of law; that responsibility lies with the judge, who provides legal instructions and ensures the trial follows the law. Juries also do not oversee court proceedings; this role is fulfilled by the judge, who manages the courtroom and maintains order. Therefore, the jury's primary function is distinctly focused on fact-finding within the context of a trial, making their conclusion crucial to the judicial process in criminal cases.