What would a jury use to come to a final decision in a trial?

A jury relies on a deliberation period to discuss the evidence presented during a trial and to come to a consensus regarding the verdict. This process allows jurors to share their perspectives, weigh the arguments, and carefully consider the impact of the evidence before reaching a conclusion. Deliberation is essential to ensure that all opinions are heard and that the jury can apply the legal standards set forth by the judge in a collaborative and thoughtful manner.

In contrast, while a legal statute provides the framework of laws relevant to the case, it does not guide the jury on its specific decision-making process. A public opinion poll does not reflect the evidence in the trial and is not a permissible or reliable source for legal decisions. Additionally, witness statements, although vital during the trial for providing testimony and establishing facts, are just part of the evidence that the jury analyzes during their deliberation. Therefore, the deliberation period is the mechanism through which the jury ultimately arrives at a decision.