1B.6.4 Disadvantages of lay people Flashcards
How are magistrates unrepresentative of society?
They are predominantly white, middle class, professional and wealthy. only 4% are under 40, despite most defendants being under 25
How are magistrates inconsistent?
Neighboring benches give different sentences, and have different rates of bail refusal. This is backed up by 2005 research
What does it mean that magistrates are ‘case hardened and biased’?
They often hear the similar cases, meaning they will often give same verdict. EG Bingham Justices ex p Jowitt (1974)
Why is it a disadvantage that jurors don’t have to give reasons for their decisions?
They may rush the verdict so they can leave. EG Case of Steven Young 1994)
In what way do jurors have a ‘lack of ability’?
They may not always understand the nature of proceedings and there is lots of complex language
How is the effect of jury service a bad thing?
Jury service can be very distressing. Many jurors have had to receive counselling (scheme set up in 2007)
