Question

What is the significance of a trial jury in a democratic society?

Answer 1

In countries where jury trials are common, juries are often seen as an important check against state power. Many also believe that a jury is likely to provide a more sympathetic hearing, or a fairer one, to a party who is not part of the government, or other establishment interest than would representatives of the state.. . In the United States, because jury trials tend to be high profile, the general public tends to overestimate the frequency of jury trials; the vast majority of cases are in fact settled by plea bargain which removes the need for a jury trial.

Answer 2

The trial by jury has a long history in western culture. While it had been in common law far into the distant past, it was first formalized in the first Great Charter (Magna Carta). It is part of what protects the individual from an intrusive government by a jury of peers. The members of the petite Jury judge the facts of the case to determine the guilt or innocence of the individual. In addition these jury members judge the application of the law in that case and can nullify that application through acquittal if they so desire.