A jury trial is a legal proceeding in which a group of citizens, known as a jury, determines whether one party in a civil or criminal case is liable for the harm caused to another. The jury listens to evidence presented by both sides and decides on the verdict based on their interpretation of the facts. In a criminal trial, the defendant has the right to request a jury trial instead of being tried by a judge alone. This process ensures that the accused receives a fair trial decided by members of the community rather than just one individual.