What is the term for a group of local people randomly chosen to make decisions in legal cases?

The term for a group of local people randomly chosen to make decisions in legal cases is "jury." In the legal system, a jury is typically composed of citizens who are called to serve in a trial to evaluate the evidence presented and ultimately reach a verdict on whether the accused is guilty or not guilty. This process is fundamental to many legal systems, particularly in criminal cases, as it serves to ensure a fair trial and reflects the community's standards and values.

A jury operates under the principle that ordinary citizens can contribute to the justice system by reviewing the facts of a case and making a decision based on those facts. This participatory aspect of the legal process reinforces democratic ideals by involving community members in judicial proceedings.

While the other terms, such as grand jury and panel, have specific meanings in legal contexts, they do not represent the general concept of a jury making decisions in trials. A grand jury, for instance, is usually tasked with determining whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against a suspect, rather than making a determination of guilt in a trial. A panel can refer to a smaller group within a jury or a collection of experts but not to the collective body making the ruling in a courtroom setting. Collective is a broader term and does not