juries Flashcards
Juries are only used in which court?
The Crown Court
Juries are only used when..
The defendant pleads not guilty
What percentage of criminal trials involve the jury?
2% - less than 30,000 cases a year
How many juries are used?
12
What is direct aquittal?
When the judge directs the jury to acquit the defendant as they believe the prosecution’s evidence is too weak
Where do the jury discuss the verdict?
In the jury room (in secret)
When the judge direct towards a majority verdict?
When an unanimous verdict has not been reached after 2 hours
Which law makes it illegal to disclose what happened in the jury room, unless it is in the interest of justice e.g. reporting jury misconduct
Criminal Courts and Justice Act 2015
Under which law must the foreman announce the numbers agreeing and disagreeing with the verdict in open court?
s.17(3) of the Juries Act 1874
What percent of convictions are by legal majority each year?
20%
To qualify for jury service, a person must be..
Aged 18 - 75, on the electoral register, and lived in the UK for at least 5 years since their 13th birthday
Who is ineligible for jury service under the Criminal Justice Act 2003?
- A resident in a hospital/similar institution for their condition or regularly attend for treatment
- Under guardianship under s.7 of the Mental Health Act 1983
- Declared incapable by a judge
Can a person who has served a prison sentence of 5+ years do jury service?
No - they are permanently disqualified
Can someone who has served a prison sentence of less than 5 years/community service do jury service?
They are disqualified for 10 years - however, if 10 years have passed, then yes, they can do jury service
What happens if someone fails to disclose that they are disqualified and turns up to jury service?
They are fined
