Advantages&disadvantages Of Jury Trial

Question 1

Advantages of jury trial

Answer 1

Higher chance of acquittal 
Jury are less case hardened
Better advocates available 
Legal aid is more likely to be available 
Lower conviction rate

Question 2

Disadvantages of trial by jury?

Answer 2

If found guilty higher sentence
If not on bail and in custody, longer wait in prison
Higher court costs
If D is ordered to pay a sum to victim, willl be higher in the crown court

Question 3

Advantages of magistrates trial?

Answer 3

Cheaper trial
Less time in custody if given no bail
Shorter sentence than in crown

Question 4

Disadvantages of trial by magistrates

Answer 4

Higher conviction rate
Less specialist advocacy
Less likely to get legal funding

Question 5

Trial by jury or magistrates? Best place to go

Answer 5

Magistrates

• less time in custody if not given bail
• higher conviction rate 40%
• less specialist advocates available
• lack of legal funding
• Lower sentence than crown if found guilty

Crown court

• higher acquittal rate
• jury less case hardened
• better advocates available
• legal aid available
• if found guilty, possible higher sentence
• longer wait for trial
• higher costs