What type of trial involves a group of peers making decisions on the facts of the case?

A jury trial is characterized by the involvement of a group of peers who listen to the evidence presented in court and make decisions regarding the facts of the case. This format allows ordinary citizens to participate in the legal process, serving as a vital check on the judicial system and ensuring a fair outcome based on community standards and values. In a jury trial, the jury's role is to determine the credibility of witnesses, evaluate the evidence, and ultimately render a verdict, which underscores the importance of collective reasoning in the judicial process.

In contrast, a bench trial is presided over by a judge alone, who takes on the roles of both the judge and the jury. Federal trials pertain specifically to cases involving federal law and can be either jury or bench trials, depending on various factors. An adversarial trial simply describes the nature of the legal process where two opposing parties present their cases and is not limited to the context of a jury hearing. Therefore, the key aspect distinguishing a jury trial is the involvement of a jury of peers making essential decisions based on the evidence presented.