How do judges and jurors share responsibilities in a U.S. criminal trial?

In the U.S. criminal justice system, the roles of the judge and the jury are distinct, reflecting a division of functions between legal authority and factual determination.1

The Judge’s Responsibilities

The judge acts as the supervisor of the trial, ensuring the process adheres to the law. Their primary duties include:21
* Managing Evidence: The judge determines the admissibility of evidence, deciding what the jury is permitted to hear.21
* Instructing the Jury: The judge instructs the jury on the applicable law that must be applied to reach a verdict.21
* Legal Oversight: The judge decides questions of law and may summarize evidence or discuss its weight for the jury.23
* Sentencing: While the jury generally focuses on guilt, the judge typically determines the sentence, though in some states, juries may participate in sentencing or capital punishment decisions.4

The Jury’s Responsibilities

The jury is composed of laypersons who serve as the autonomous finders of fact. Their core responsibilities include:13
* Determining Guilt: Jurors deliberate in private—without the judge’s participation—to reach a verdict of guilty or not guilty.21
* Factual Findings: The jury decides questions of fact, typically rendering a general "yes" or "no" verdict.23