Arizona Constitution Practice Test

What is required to render a guilty verdict in criminal cases?

1. Unanimous consent of the jury

2. A majority vote of the jury

3. Two-thirds majority of the jury

4. Formal consent from the judge

The correct answer is: Unanimous consent of the jury

In criminal cases, a guilty verdict must be based on the unanimous consent of the jury. This requirement stems from the constitutional protection of defendants, ensuring that the decision to convict is made without any reasonable doubt by all jurors. The rationale behind this unanimity is to uphold a high standard of proof, reflecting the serious nature of criminal charges and the potential consequences for the accused, including loss of freedom or other severe penalties. This requirement is a fundamental aspect of the jury system in the United States, which emphasizes the importance of collective agreement among jurors, thus minimizing the risk of wrongful convictions. In contrast, systems that allow for majority or two-thirds voting may not provide the same level of assurance afforded to defendants in a criminal trial. Hence, the necessity for all jurors to agree supports a fair and just judicial process.