Julius D. answered • 05/27/19
25+ Year Grammar/Writing/Reading Comprehension/Algebra Teacher/Tutor
Each state has its own procedure, but they are very similar. The federal government also has its own procedure, also similar to the states. There are two types of juries, grand juries and petit juries. A petit jury tries civil and criminal cases and after trial, it returns a verdict of liable or not liable against the defendant (charged person) in civil cases or a verdict of guilty or not guilty against criminal defendants. A grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, but whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed.
Generally, states use voter registration lists to construct lists of citizens potential eligible to qualify for jury duty. Questionnaires are sent to citizens on the list in order to determine who is preliminarily qualified. Once the questionnaires are reviewed, letters are sent to randomly selected citizens, commanding their appearance in court to be questioned by a judge, defense attorneys, and prosecutors. The questions concern the potential jurors' biases and prejudices that may interfere with making just and lawful decisions.
In almost all states 12 jurors are selected for each jury. I some states less than 12 can try minor cases such as traffic or other civil violations.
