{"id":352337,"date":"2023-11-27T16:09:21","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T21:09:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/what-is-a-jury-of-peers.html"},"modified":"2023-11-27T16:09:21","modified_gmt":"2023-11-27T21:09:21","slug":"what-is-a-jury-of-peers","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/what-is-a-jury-of-peers.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is a Jury of Peers?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

What Is a Jury of Peers?<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Jade Chounlamountry, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

\n
\n
\n

Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A jury of peers is a group of people who represent the general population. Yet, there are many guidelines to help select jury members who will stay fair and impartial in a criminal trial.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

In a criminal case, a small group of people receive the power to decide whether to convict you of a crime. The law creates rules to avoid the potential abuse of this power. <\/p>\r\n

Juries are a big part of the justice system, coming from the Sixth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution<\/a>. There are constitutional rights<\/a> when putting together a jury in criminal trials. <\/p>\r\n

Sometimes, a criminal defendant will have concerns about whether the jury is fair and unbiased. Jury issues can arise during the initial trial phases, but they could also only become apparent after a conviction. In that case, a defendant may seek an appeal based on the jury problem.<\/p>\r\n

In either case, it’s wise to carefully consider the fairness of a jury with an experienced criminal defense lawyer<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

Where the Right to A Jury of Your Peers Originates<\/h2>\r\n

The phrase "a jury of peers" dates back to the signing of the Magna Carta<\/a> in England. At that point, the provision ensured that fellow nobles tried members of the nobility rather than the king judging them. This phrase more accurately means a jury of fellow citizens. It is a crucial aspect of the Sixth Amendment in criminal law.<\/p>\r\n

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees several essential rights for individuals facing criminal charges. These rights include:<\/p>\r\n