A jury consists of people who are selected to hear the evidence presented and decide what the facts are in a case. In a civil trial, the jury may be as few as 6 or as many as 12 jurors, plus 1 or 2 alternate jurors. In criminal trials, the jury consists of 12 jurors plus 2 alternate jurors. Alternate jurors replace regular jurors who might be unable to continue serving on the case during the course of the trial. In a civil case, after the jurors hear the evidence presented during the trial, they must decide whether the Plaintiff is entitled to the relief he or she is seeking. To be a proper verdict, at least 5/6ths of the jurors in a civil trial must make the same decision. In a criminal case, the jurors must try to decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the crimes charged. In a criminal trial, all 12 jurors must make the same decision; in other words, they must reach a unanimous verdict.
HOW DOES SOMEONE BECOME A JUROR?
To serve as a juror in Chester County, a person must be:
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A citizen of the United States; |
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The required minimum age of voting; |
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Able to read, write, speak and understand the English language; |
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A resident of Chester County, Pennsylvania |
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Not convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for more that one year, unless a pardon has been granted. |
Citizens are called to serve by being randomly selected from the Chester County list of registered voters.
Click HERE for more information on Jury Procedures in Chester County.
What Does a Jury Do?