A jury is a group of citizens called upon to render a verdict. In the context of a criminal trial, the jury is called upon to determine whether the accused is guilty or not guilty.
The jury is composed of twelve jurors.
The jury is presented with the facts, it hears the evidence and testimony from each side and it receives instructions from the judge. At the end of the trial, it must form an opinion and make a decision called the “verdict”. The jury’s verdict must be unanimous.
If the accused is found to be not guilty, he or she is acquitted immediately. If the accused is found to be guilty, he or she receives a sentence determined by the judge, immediately or at a later date.
| >> For more information on the jury process, including informative videos, visit the Quebec Justice website. |
