Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

How is a jury trial characterized?

1. By the passive role of the judge

2. By the use of a jury to determine the outcome

3. By legal professionals debating over the law

4. By reliance on written legal briefs

The correct answer is: By the use of a jury to determine the outcome

A jury trial is characterized by the use of a jury to determine the outcome of a case. In this setting, a group of individuals, selected from the community, is tasked with listening to the evidence presented during the trial, evaluating the facts, and ultimately rendering a verdict based on that evidence. This process highlights the principles of community involvement in the judicial system and the jury's role as a fundamental element of ensuring an impartial adjudication of the case. The jury's function distinguishes this type of trial from others, such as bench trials, where a judge decides the outcome without a jury. In a jury trial, the jury's decisions are pivotal as they reflect collective judgment and community standards, which is essential in the pursuit of justice.