What is a Traverse Juror?

Jurors are an essential part of the U.S. justice system.

A traverse juror, also known as a petit juror, is a citizen who has been selected to serve on a trial jury in a legal action or prosecution. There are usually 12 jurors in U.S. trials, who are chosen from registered voters residing in the district.

Duties

A traverse juror is responsible for deliberating questions of fact and determining the validity of accusations against the accused person, based on proof. Traverse jurors serve in civil and criminal cases and their decision must be unanimous in federal trials. .

Distinction

Traverse jurors are different from grand jurists, in that a traverse jury is determining a case that has already been been brought to trial, with charges already levied against an individual. A grand jury reviews evidence still being brought by a prosecutor to determine whether a person should be charged with a crime, also referred to as being indicted.

Verdict

After closing arguments have been made in a case, the traverse jurists must deliberate in private and reach a decision of innocence or guilt. In criminal cases, the judge determines the sentencing of a guilty verdict, while in civil cases, the jurists usually award the amount of damages to the injured party.

References

• Law Dictionary: Traverse Juror
• United States Courts: Jury Service
• Encyclopedia Brittanica: Petit Jury

Resources

• Legal Dictionary: Traverse Jury