What is a petit jury?

A petit jury is commonly understood as a trial jury that is responsible for rendering a verdict in a legal case. This type of jury is typically comprised of a group of individuals selected from the community who listen to the evidence presented during a trial and decide on the issues of fact. After deliberation, the petit jury reaches a conclusion regarding the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a criminal case, or the liability of a party in a civil case.

This definition distinguishes the petit jury from other types of juries, such as grand juries, which conduct preliminary hearings to determine whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges, or specialized juries that may handle specific types of cases. The function of a petit jury is vital in upholding the rights of the accused and ensuring a fair trial within the judicial system.