Useful legal terms for jurors
Plaintiff - A person who brings an action; the party who complains or sues in a personal action and is so named on the record.
Petit jury - The ordinary jury of 12 persons (six in certain cases) for the trial of a civil or criminal case. So called to distinguish it from the grand jury, a group of 16 people sworn to hear evidence and determine if it is sufficient to require the accused to stand trial.
Expert witness - Testimony given by an "expert" on a matter related to scientific, technical or professional issues related to the trial. Expert witnesses are qualified to speak authoritatively by reason of their special training, skill or familiarity with the subject.
Rebuttal - The introduction, at an appropriate time during the trial, of rebutting evidence, showing that the statements of witnesses as to what occurred is not true.
Redirect examination - Follows cross-examination by a lawyer and is conducted by the party who first examined the witness.
Deliberations - The period after the evidence has been presented when the jury moves to a special room to discuss the evidence and reach a decision or "verdict."
Burden of proof - In the law of evidence, the necessity or duty of affirmatively proving a fact or facts in dispute.
Polling the jury - A practice whereby jurors are asked individually whether they agreed and still agree to the verdict.
Sentencing - Judges follow the law and Constitution when determining the sentence for someone found guilty of a criminal action. Sentences may include prison, city jail time, a fine, some form of probation or a conditional discharge.
Note: This information was prepared as a public service by the Illinois State Bar Association and is a joint project with the Illinois Press Association. Its purpose is to inform citizens of their legal rights and obligations.
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If you have questions about the application of the law in a particular case, consult your lawyer. The law is constantly changing. Information on this site or any site to which we link does not constitute legal advice.