Trial by Jury

What is it important that you have the right to be tried by a jury?

The Sixth Amendment also gives you the right to a public trial. Why is it important that the trial be public? There were secret trials under the British rule, and our Founding Father did not want this for America. If trials are held in public, then government officials must follow the law since everyone can see what they're doing.

Female attorney address the jury at a trial

If you are charged with a crime that results in a punishment of six months or more in prison, you also have the right to a trial by j_ _ _.

Twelve jurors sit in a jury box at a court trial

Yes, you have the right to have a jury listen to all of the evidence and decide if you are guilty or innocent. You also have the right to an impartial jury. This means the members of the jury must be fair to you.

Vector illustration of group of people jury sitting at jury box.

Lawyers on both sides interview individuals who might serve on the jury. They ask questions to be sure the jurors will be fair to you and the situation.

Smiling boy waving american flag in the park

Your rights are one of the many reasons you can be proud that you're an American. When you live here, you have the right to presumption of innocence, counsel, a speedy trial, and a trial by jury.