Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam

Which group is responsible for rendering a verdict based on the evidence presented?

1. The trier of law

2. The judge

3. The jury

4. The bailiff

The correct answer is: The jury

The group responsible for rendering a verdict based on the evidence presented is the jury. In a jury trial, the jury is composed of a group of citizens tasked with evaluating the evidence provided during the trial and making a determination on the facts of the case. Their role is to listen to the testimonies, review any physical evidence, and deliberate together to reach a consensus on the verdict, which must be based solely on the evidence and the law as explained by the judge. Other groups mentioned, such as the trier of law and the judge, typically focus on interpreting and applying legal principles rather than rendering verdicts based on factual matters. The bailiff is responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and assisting the judge but does not take part in the verdict process. Therefore, the jury uniquely fulfills the critical role of determining the outcome of the case based on the evidence presented.