What is the role of a petit jury in a legal case?

The role of a petit jury is to evaluate the evidence presented in a legal case and determine the facts. Specifically, in criminal cases, the petit jury assesses whether the defendant is guilty of committing the alleged crime. In civil cases, the jury decides if the defendant is liable for any harm caused to the plaintiff. The jury's task is to reach a verdict based on the evidence and testimony presented during the trial, ultimately influencing the outcome of the case based on their findings. This essential function of determining guilt or liability distinguishes the petit jury from other roles within the legal system, such as advising the judge or conducting investigations.