Which statement best reflects the Wyoming Constitution's guarantee regarding juries in criminal trials?

• A. A trial by jury is guaranteed for all civil cases.
• B. A jury trial is required only for capital offenses.
• C. The constitution guarantees a trial by jury in all criminal cases.
• D. Juries are not used in criminal cases.

Answer: (C)

The Wyoming Constitution protects the right to a jury trial as a fundamental safeguard in criminal cases, ensuring that guilt or innocence is determined by a group of fellow citizens rather than a judge alone. This guarantee applies to all criminal cases, not just the most serious offenses, so a defendant can expect a jury trial regardless of the charge. This reflects a long-standing principle that laypeople should participate in deciding guilt and serves to guard against potential abuses of power and promote fairness in the criminal justice process. The other statements misstate the scope: juries in civil cases, or only for capital offenses, or not used at all, do not fit the constitutional language.