A small group of randomly selected citizens, usually 12 to 24, who hear evidence from witnesses over several days, deliberate and produce recommendations on a public question.
In more detail
Developed by Ned Crosby at the Jefferson Center in the United States from the 1970s, and independently in Germany as the planning cell (Planungszelle) by Peter Dienel, the citizens' jury is one of the earliest modern mini-publics. It models itself on the trial jury: participants question witnesses, deliberate with facilitation and report publicly. The Citizens' Initiative Review adapted it to ballot measures. Critics note that small juries cannot be statistically representative and that their advice is often ignored.