Read Time: 5 min 04 sec | Listen to Podcast | Watch on YouTube

A jury is a group of people summoned to decide on the facts of a trial.

To prevent abuse of power, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the accused a right to a jury trial (except for petty offenses with six-month-or-less maximums). The Seventh does the same for civil suits.

What you probably picture first is a petit jury (6-12 members who render a verdict). There are also larger grand juries (16-23 people) that decide whether to charge someone.

What’re the qualifications?
To start, you have to be 18 and a U.S. citizen.

There are other qualifications (see them all here), but what you don’t need is expertise or a law degree. That’s what the judge is for. 

Judges instruct the jury on the law, rule on objections, keep order, and, once a verdict is reached, usually decide the sentence. Kinda like courtroom referees. Without ’em, lawyers could manipulate jurors, or jurors’ decisions could be emotionally based (vs. legally).

How are juries selected?
Prospective jurors are pooled randomly using voter registration and DMV records. The qualified lucky ones receive the dreaded summons and now have… dun dun… jury duty. But that doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to sit a trial. 

Next comes the voir dire (that’s Old French for “speak the truth”), where judges and lawyers weed out jurors who might not be impartial. Think: prior knowledge of the case or a cop in the family in a police brutality trial.

What’s it like in the room where it happens?
First, the jury picks a leader (its “foreperson”), then they’re on their own (literally…). They can’t look at Google or their phones or talk to lawyers, defendants, or anyone outside the room.

They can send notes to the judge (asking for definitions, requesting evidence, or reporting they’re stuck) and deliberate for as long as they need. 

The goal is to render a verdict based on a legal standard. In criminal cases, that standard is guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; in civil cases, it’s whether something is more likely than not.

Do jury decisions have to be unanimous?
Yes and no. 😬 Some states allow for majority votes in civil cases, but criminal cases must always be unanimous. 

And if they can’t agree? 
That’s a deadlock. Repeated deadlocks = “hung jury” and potentially a mistrial. A mistrial isn’t an acquittal, though. Since nothing was decided, the prosecution can retry the case with a new jury. (For more on mistrials, see our graphic explainer.)

Can I just… not go to jury duty? 
Nope, sorry, Charlie.

You can ask to be excused for hardship (e.g., illness/childcare), but just ignoring the special snail mail could earn you a fine or a contempt-of-court charge. Your job is safe while serving, and federal courts pay $50/day. (See what your state courts pay here.)

__

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
One day, we will be tried in the courtroom of Heaven, and when we are, we won’t sit before a jury of our peers. We will sit before our Righteous Judge who will declare us “innocent” because our crimes have already been paid for by our merciful Savior. Praise God for that today!

“For the LORD is our Judge, the LORD is our Lawgiver, the LORD is our King. He will save us.”
Isaiah 33:22 (CSB) (read full passage)

If you’ve ever felt like you just need more dieting willpower, here’s the truth: cravings aren’t a discipline problem… Believe it or not, cravings start in your gut. 

But scientists have cracked the gut-GLP-1 connection and turned it into a probiotic called Metabolic Daily; it helps curb cravings and reduce appetite (without changing your diet overnight). Here’s what users say: 

So… living their best lives.

When 29,000+ medical professionals are recommending Pendulum’s Metabolic Daily to their patients, that’s saying something. Try it today (and use your HSA/FSA funds), and get up to 48% off your first membership order! 

*based on a consumer survey of 274 participants using a product containing three strains found in Pendulum Metabolic Daily for 6 weeks
**based on a consumer survey of 50 participants using a product containing three strains found in Pendulum Metabolic Daily for 8 weeks

Curious how we choose sponsors?  Learn more  |  Advertise with us

Solving this week’s crossword puzzle… Good luck!

I am speed...

Testing your jury-related trivia knowledge with this quiz we made for you.

Adorable gifts that point the recipient back to Christ. Created by TPO reader Erica C., Be a Heart was born when Erica discovered calligraphy as a way to grow closer to God and has developed into an online shop where she turned her artwork into everything from Jesus Heals Bandages to Christ-centered home decor and candles. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful gift or small ways to incorporate reminders of hope in your life, check out Be a Heart!*

*This is a free promo for a TPO-reader-owned small biz. Have your own small business you want us to know about? Fill out this form!

Top News Link: A look at the USS Abraham Lincoln’s rusty hull after 264 straight days at sea.

Top Christian Perspective: A verse to consider when considering success… Download and save it here! 

Top Whipped Cream: This week’s fave was a breathtaking underwater view of God’s art up close.

What’s Making Us Feel Natural-But-Put-Together
Our makeup, with Ogee*

We love getting made up, but a toxic-pancake-feeling face? No thanks. And regular makeup is often not worth it because of the chemicals. We don’t have to worry about that with Ogee’s Crystal Contour Collection. 

It’s a game-changer: nearly 90% skincare (green coffee oil, elderberry extract, cold-pressed jojoba) with smooth and easy-to-blend coverage.

You’ll look like you’re trying without feeling like you’re trying, and you won’t even feel it. 

This is the kind of collection that turns the most natural girlies into glammed girlies. Treat yourself to certified-organic luxury with Ogee, and unlock an additional 20% off your order with code TPO20 when you spend $100! 

“When a Trial Draws Public Attention” from TPO’s forthcoming book Praying the News

Righteous God, as this trial captures our attention, keep it from capturing our hearts. When we are tempted to be entertained by strangers’ tragedy, move us to right grief and prayer, and teach us what faithfulness looks like. 

Great Judge, give the arbiters of this case eyes to see the evidence clearly and impartially, ears to tell sincere testimony from craftily worded tricks, and empathetic hearts bent toward finding the truth. Give lawyers the ability to articulate their case, humility in handling witnesses, and integrity in presenting facts. Grant jurors unbiased perspective and discernment to deliver a swift and just verdict. Wisen the judge to exact a fair punishment or a compassionate pardon, and to order their courtroom with a firm, steady hand.

Hasten the day when right verdicts are delivered, every tear is wiped away, and there is no longer any brokenness to mourn. We look forward to that day when our crimes will be tried in Your heavenly courts—not because we are innocent but because You sent Your only Son to serve our sentence in full. Amen. 

Each week, we do the deep shallow dive so that you don’t have to. We bring what we learn not only to this email, but we sit down and talk about it, too. Check out this week’s episode of TPO Explains... just click on the episode below.

(You’ll still get our M/W/F news)