This book provides the reader with an introduction to the United States jury system. It provides a brief historical account of the origins of juries and compares juries in the federal versus state court systems. The text offers answers to the most frequently asked questions that prospective jurors and students have about the steps of jury duty, from receiving the juror summons to rendering a final verdict. Through this easy-to-digest overview, the reader will gain an appreciation for the intended purpose of the American jury and develop a better understanding of how shifting social norms, over the past 250 years, have impacted the decision-making powers granted to the jury. Each chapter features contemporary research findings about juries, learning objectives, review and discussion questions, ethical considerations, summary tables, and features focusing on news, fun facts, court decisions, and reflections from working professionals.

The book is written for students in criminal justice and prelaw courses; legal professionals and law students, who frequent courthouses and prepare legal documents, briefs, trial evidence, and defendant or victim testimonies for litigation; and all prospective jurors.