Why Are There 12 People on a Jury?

↓ More info and sources below ↓

When picturing a jury, you probably imagine 12 people - no more, no less. But did you know there is no hard and fast rule about how many members are required on a jury? Today, Danielle looks at the differences between petit and grand juries and the historical accidents that have lead many to believe that juries MUST have twelve members.

Created and Hosted by Danielle Bainbridge
Produced by Complexly for PBS Digital Studios

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Origin of Everything is a show about the undertold histories and cultural dialogues that make up our collective story. From the food we eat, to the trivia and fun facts we can’t seem to get out of our heads, to the social issues we can’t stop debating, everything around us has a history. Origin of Everything is here to explore it all. We like to think that no topic is too small or too challenging to get started.

Works Cited:
Thomas Aiello (2015) Jim Crow’s Last Stand: The non-unanimous jury verdict in the state of Louisiana
Lawrence Rosen (2006) Law as Culture
Karen E Hayden (2019) Society & Law

[leeannschaffer]

The ability to present an enormous amount of information rapidly, but also clearly - and personably - is quite an art. That means that you are one of the deft masters! Well done AGAIN!

[ericcheese]

I served on a jury 5 years ago, was the youngest and only non white. The experience really opened my eyes to how how the law operates.

[NotHPotter]

A follow-up video on the broken nature of grand juries, and their relationship to prosecutors and law enforcement would be really neat. It's kinda nuts how what once was considered a protection against government oppression has turned into a rubber stamp for prosecution.

[koantao]

12 man juries were established in Islamic courts in the 8th century and this continued in the Kingdom of Sicily which adopted the Islamic Court system in the 12th where it came to Henry II of England through an envoy coming from Sicily. The Welsh system was evidently forgotten by then.

[margiedaniels]

As always, I really enjoy your content...PLEASE, keep it coming.

[prettypic]

I don’t understand why we keep punishing people after they’ve served their sentence. Anything more is just a violation of the eighth amendment

[TheTwick]

Don’t forget Sidney Lumet’s “12 Angry Men” of 1957. That’s how I learned about how the law works. [and, of course, Perry Mason] Accurate stuff, doc.

[shannoncrosby]

Danielle this is so awesome !! We went to the same middle school/high school, and I'm so happy about all the amazing work you're sharing with others around the world, all my best !

[magovenor]

Wow, it's been a minute since these old eyes enjoyed your noble continence on this platform, As always, bravo, well done!

[p.w.]

GREAT JOB!! Love your tone and the information you shared!! Thank you!!💕💯

[Honeypot]

I want to remind you of a kind of prejudice against a group. I like many handicapped person have been systematically "excused" from jury duty without our consent. I have been told I am not permitted to serve on a federal jury for my lifetime.

[Matkai]

Such an intriguing video. Thanks for creating this.

[Hallows]

When I served on a jury in 2012, we had 7 members. Not entirely sure why, but this got me thinking back to it.

[BM]

Thank you and PBS for continuing to make these fascinating videos. And also your outfit is pretty.

[darkstar]

“... huh, never thought to ask that question. *click* “

[rans]

The origin of the jury is from the city of Sicily from the Islamic era moved to Britain due to cultural friction at that time

[روائعالشيخبسامجرار]

The question is where the jury system comes from, the respond is : from Islamic trial system, from the Malikit jurisprudence. it's call lafeef in Arabic.

[ar]

I just came across this Channel and have been binge watching all of the content, you are absolutely amazing all of Ure videos are so detailed, engaging and so easy to digest . Thank u so much, this is such lovely space ❤️🙏🏽

[rachelk]

I’ve literally never wondered or cared about this but I literally couldn’t scroll past this video bec god forbid someone ever ask this near me and I can’t answer them #knowitall

[rainydaylady]

Like the white wig. Which brings up the question. Why do English/Australian lawyers and judges wear those wigs?