In what type of cases does a petit jury operate?

A petit jury, also known as a trial jury, operates in both criminal and civil cases. This type of jury is responsible for determining the facts of a case presented during a trial and rendering a verdict based on the evidence presented by both parties.

In criminal cases, a petit jury decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty, based on the prosecution's burden to prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. In civil cases, the jury assesses liability and may also determine damages to be awarded to the plaintiff if the defendant is found liable.

Unlike other types of juries, such as grand juries which are involved in the preliminary stages of criminal cases, the petit jury plays a crucial role in the actual trial process, deliberating and reaching conclusions on the presented evidence. The inclusion of both types of cases highlights the jury’s versatile function within the judicial system.