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A jury trial is a trial by one's peers.  The term usually applies to a jury composed of random citizens in the community where the crime occurred.

A jury trial is a trial by one's peers.  The term usually applies to a jury composed of random citizens in the community where the crime occurred.

Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams felt strongly that jury trials were the best defense against government. Thomas Jefferson considered "trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution." John Adams said it was a jury's "duty ... to find the verdict according to his own best understanding, judgment, and conscience, though in direct opposition to the direction of the court."

Both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams felt strongly that jury trials were the best defense against government. Thomas Jefferson considered "trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution."{{fact}} John Adams said it was a jury's "duty ... to find the verdict according to his own best understanding, judgment, and conscience, though in direct opposition to the direction of the court."{{fact}}

Taking a broad view of "jury" to include any panel of people (other than a judge) to pass judgment on an accused, here are the top ten most influential trials affecting American history:

Taking a broad view of "jury" to include any panel of people (other than a judge) to pass judgment on an accused, here are the top ten most influential trials affecting American history: