Trials allow two or more parties to settle disputes. While judges decide some lawsuits alone, many others are decided by a jury. In its most simple terms, a jury is a group of ordinary citizens. Anyone and everyone can be a juror. The role of the jury is to make an impartial decision based on evidence and information presented during the trial.
Jurors serve in two types of cases - civil and criminal.
In a criminal case, the State of California is the plaintiff. Any person 18 years of age, or older, a United States citizen and a resident of the county or district where summoned is qualified to serve as a juror. A potential juror must be able to understand English, and be mentally capable of serving. Any person who has served on a jury during the past 12 months may be excused with proof of service. Any person convicted of a felony is ineligible for jury service.