Sortition is using a random method of either making public decisions or in selecting the individuals who will make them, usually the latter. Trial and grand juries are supposed to be selected that way, with some filtering steps in the process. Historically, it has been used as a way to reduce the undue influence of those most affected by public decisioins, who may invest the most to influence such decisions, often in ways some would consider corrupt.
The Sortition Option
Sortition, or selection by lot, from the Latin sortiri, has a long history of use, going back to the ancient Solonian Constitution of Athens, and serving the Republic of Venice well for more than 529 years, from 1268 through 1797 when it was invaded by Napoleon.