Which group is responsible for deciding a verdict of guilt or innocence?

In the context of the legal system, the group that determines a verdict of guilt or innocence is the jury. A jury is composed of a group of citizens who are selected to hear the evidence presented during a trial and assess the facts of the case. The jury's primary responsibility is to deliberate on the evidence and reach a consensus, ultimately deciding whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based on the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

This role is fundamental to the principle of a fair trial, ensuring that the decision is made by a representative cross-section of the community rather than by a single individual. While judges oversee the trial proceedings, ensuring that the law is upheld and that the trial is conducted fairly, they do not make the final determination regarding a person's guilt or innocence when a jury is present. Instead, judges may provide instructions to the jury about the law but rely on the jury's judgment for the verdict.

Lawyers and prosecutors play critical roles in presenting evidence and arguments either in defense of or against the accused, but they do not make the verdict themselves. Their function is to advocate for their clients, while the jury serves as the impartial entity that evaluates the evidence and arrives at a decision regarding guilt or innocence.