The importance of a jury makes it necessary to understand its function, strengths and weaknesses in a criminal matter. Both state and federal courts follow the same procedure for jury involvement. Most states do not give juveniles the right to a jury trial in juvenile delinquency court proceedings. The jury essentially hears the evidence presented against the defendant and potential defenses. It will then evaluate the evidence and ultimately determine whether it meets the criminal offenses charged against the accused, beyond a reasonable doubt. Numerous and varied rules often surround the jury. The jury focuses primarily on criminal cases because these cases put a person's freedom at risk. Defendants are not entitled to a jury trial if their prison sentence does not exceed six months. All jurors must recognize that jury service is a fundamental duty of citizenship. They can also decide matters involving crimes for which the trial judge fines, places on probation, or confines the defendant to prison. However, a jury plays no role in sentencing, but instead leaves the decision up to the trial judge after all submissions made by both sides. Overall, the justice system must rely on a jury for the protection of liberty, life, and the pursuit of liberty