How many jurors are required in Criminal Court proceedings?

In Criminal Court proceedings, 12 jurors are typically required to deliberate and reach a verdict in most felony cases. This standard has historical roots in the legal system, reflecting a comprehensive approach to ensuring that a diverse group of community members represents a cross-section of society in the decision-making process. The collective opinions and judgments of a larger group are believed to more effectively safeguard the rights of the defendant while maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. In some jurisdictions, particularly for misdemeanor cases, smaller juries may be acceptable, but for serious offenses, the 12-juror system is widely upheld as the norm. This ensures thorough examination and discussion of the evidence presented during the trial to reach a fair verdict.