New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is a petit jury?

1. A jury that decides appeals of criminal cases

2. The ordinary jury for civil or criminal actions

3. A jury selected for grand jury proceedings

4. A jury that specializes in family law cases

The correct answer is: The ordinary jury for civil or criminal actions

A petit jury, also known as a trial jury, is indeed the ordinary jury that is summoned to hear and decide the facts in civil or criminal cases. This jury is responsible for evaluating evidence presented during a trial and rendering a verdict based on that evidence. In criminal cases, a petit jury determines whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In civil cases, they decide on liability and the appropriate damages, if any. The other choices pertain to different types of juries or functions. A jury that decides appeals of criminal cases refers to appellate court procedures, where a panel of judges reviews case decisions rather than a jury format. A grand jury is involved in the preliminary stages of criminal cases, typically to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime, and it does not function as a trial jury. As for a jury that specializes in family law cases, such specialized juries do not exist in the same manner as petit juries do in trials; family law matters are generally adjudicated by judges rather than juries. Thus, the understanding of a petit jury aligns correctly with the answer provided.