KRS 29A.280

Number of jurors in Circuit and District Courts -- Number required for verdict

Applied in 10 court decisions — leading case Johnson v. Commonwealth (2003)

Most recently applied in Stephen W. Williams v. Commonwealth of Kentucky (May 2016)

Effective: January 2, 1978 History: Created 1976 (1st Extra

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(1) Juries for all trials in Circuit Court shall be composed of twelve (12) persons. Juries for all trials in District Court shall be composed of six (6) persons.

(2) In Circuit Court, at any time before the jury is sworn, the parties with the approval of the court may stipulate that the jury shall consist of any number less than twelve (12), except that no jury shall consist of less than six (6) persons.

(3) A unanimous verdict is required in all criminal trials by jury. The agreement of at least three-fourths (3/4) of the jurors is required for a verdict in all civil trials by jury in Circuit Court. The agreement of at least five-sixths (5/6) of the jurors is required for a verdict in all civil trials by jury in District Court.

Official source: Kentucky General Assembly. Reproduced from public-domain Kentucky statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.