Final answer:
The decision in a trial given by a jury is called a verdict. They determine the defendant's guilt or innocence based on evidence presented during the trial, and their unanimous decision is necessary for conviction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision in a trial given by a jury is known as a verdict. In criminal cases, trials are held in courts with general jurisdiction, where the jury is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the defendant. The process involves a careful selection of jurors, witness testimonies, cross-examinations, and arguments from both the prosecution and defense.
The jury, which typically consists of twelve members and one or two alternates, listens to all evidence presented and deliberates in secrecy to reach a unanimous decision. If the jury unanimously agrees that the prosecution has proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, they will render a guilty verdict; otherwise, they will decide on a not guilty verdict.
A unanimous agreement is necessary to convict a defendant, as stated in Figure 6.9. If the jury cannot agree on a verdict, a mistrial may be declared, possibly resulting in a retrial.
According to the Seventh Amendment, the right to a trial by jury is preserved, and the jury's decision cannot be re-examined in any U.S. court, except according to common law rules. If a defendant is found guilty, the judge then determines the appropriate sentence based on the law, except in capital cases where the jury may decide the penalty.