What is the primary role of jurors in cases involving the death penalty?

The primary role of jurors in cases involving the death penalty is to deliver a unanimous verdict. In capital cases, jurors are tasked with weighing the evidence presented during the trial and coming to a conclusion about the defendant's guilt. This process culminates in a verdict that must be unanimous, meaning all jurors must agree on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. This requirement ensures that the decision carries a collective judgment and reflects a strong consensus, recognizing the gravity of the death penalty as a potential sentence.

In many jurisdictions, a unanimous verdict is particularly critical in death penalty cases because the consequences are so severe, highlighting the need for a thorough deliberation and agreement among all jurors. Achieving unanimity reinforces the legal principle that it is better to let a guilty person go free than to wrongly convict an innocent one, especially in cases where a person's life is at stake.

While the other roles listed, such as determining the outcome of the trial, making sentencing recommendations, and providing legal advice, may touch on aspects of a juror's responsibilities, they do not encapsulate the primary function defined by the legal standards governing jury conduct in capital cases.