Juries

Question 1

what are the general facts of juries?

Answer 1

• nearly 500,000 summoned every year
• normally for two weeks but could be longer
• 12 on each trial
• unpaid except expenses and compensation for loss of earnings
• 18-75
• random from electoral register
• disqualification if ever imprisoned for more than 5 years
• excusal at courts discretion-e.g. holidays or public exams-usually deferred

Question 2

what is the role of juries during the trial?

Answer 2

• used in all crown court cases where D pleads not guilty
• partnership-judge acts as “master of law” and jury acts as “master of facts”
• listen to evidence, cross-examination and closing speeches

Question 3

what is the role of juries in the deliberation?

Answer 3

• private room-no access to phones/computers
• foreperson
• unanimous verdict
• if not unanimous after at least 2 hours-judge may advice majority verdict
  
  • if full jury of 12 can be 10:2 or 11:1 only
  • if less than 12 only 1 can disagree-if 9 jurors must be unanimous
• discussions in room are secret
• jury returns to courtroom and foreperson announces verdict
• no role in sentencing

Question 4

what are advantages of a jury trial?

Answer 4

• confidence-(Lord Denning)-verdicts seen as those of society
• jury equity-not legal experts
• impartiality-not connected to anyone in case

Question 5

what are the disadvantages of a jury trial?

Answer 5

-perverse verdicts-(Owen)

• secrecy-courts cannot enquire into conduct except if:
  
  • used another method to make decision-(R v Young)
  • other information introduced into jury room-(R v Karakaya)
• media influence-(West)
• jury nobbling-(R v Twomey)