Chapter 10: Jury System Definitions

Question 1

what is a questionnaire?

Answer 1

designed to ascertain whether the person is eligible to serve on a jury

Question 2

what is disqualified? plus 1 eg

Answer 2

unable to serve because they have been dealt with previously by the legal system and their objectivity is open to question (may be biased against the legal system and not base decision on the facts)

e.g. people convicted of an indictable offence

Question 3

what is ineligible? plus 2 egs

Answer 3

unable to serve as they are already in the legal system and could be overly influential, or if they are incapable of performing as a juror

eg. a lawyer, or someone who’s disabled

Question 4

what is excused? plus 2 egs

Answer 4

the juries commissioner will excuse the person if satisfied that there is a good reason for doing so

good reasons include: illness or poor health

Question 5

what is a challenge for cause? (unlimited) plus eg

Answer 5

a juror may be challenged for a legitimate reason

e.g. knowing the accused

Question 6

what are peremptory challenges? (criminal 6, civil 3)

Answer 6

a juror may be challenged without a reason, based on age, appearance or occupation