JURIES Flashcards
What disqualifies for 10 years for being a juror? (6)
-at any in the last 10 years served a sentence of imprisonment
-at any time in the last 10 years had a suspended sentence passed on them
-at any time in the last 10 years had a community order or sentence
-currently on bail
-mentally disordered persons
-excusal
what is the role of a jury in criminal court? (4)
-only used in crown court with non-guilty plea
-decide verdict
-directed acquittal - usually by unanimous
-jury secrecy is sacred
what appeals happen in a civil jury? (1)
appeals more likely on a point of practice (damages have not fit in guidance)
what classifies mentally disordered persons? (1)
criminal justice act 2003
what is the role of a jury in civil court? (1)
decide verdict and damages (compensation) lack of knowledge can be a potential problem.
what is classified as a mentally disordered person? (5)
-a person who suffers or has suffered from mental illness, psychotic disorder, mental handicap or several mental handicap.
-is a resident of a hospital or institution
-regularly attends for treatment
-a person under s7 of the mental health act 1983 (determined by judge to be incapable)
what cases show independence of the jury? (2)
Butshell case (1670)
R v Mkenna (1960)
what is a summary of the butshell case (1670)?
jurors refused to convict Quaker assembling unlawfully which caused the judge to convict them for verdict court of pleas ordered their release because they could not be punished on disagreement of final verdict.
what qualifications are needed to be a juror? (3)
-aged between 18 and 75
-in the electriol role - juries act 1979
-resident of the UK for at least 5 years from age 13
what is a summary of the R v Mkenna case (1960)?
judge threatened jury lock up overnight because of the time being taken to come to a final verdict, when they plea the defendant guilty conviction was quashed because of judges interference.
what is a discretionary excusal? (1)
anyone who has problems which makes it very difficult for them to do jury service may asked to be excused on their period of service.
what disqualifies you for life for being a juror? (5)
-imprisonment for life, detention or custody
-detention during majesty’s pleasure/secretary of state
-imprisonment for public protection, detention or custody
-an extended sentence
-a term of imprisonment for 5 years or more or detention
what happens if you fail to disclose any disqualification? (1)
they will be fined up to £5,000
who were formally excused from juror service? (2)
-prior to 2004 people in certain essential occupations (doctors and pharmacists) had a right to be excused, this was changed under the criminal justice act 2003
-full time members of the forces if they have a certification from there commanding officer.
what are the types of challenging? (3)
-to the array
-for cause
-prosecution right to stand by
can a judge be on a jury? (5)
-yes, they have alright as a private citizen
-excusal will only be granted in extreme circumstances
-deferral should be sought if there are judicial commitments
-should tag if judge hearing case is known to juror
-must follow directions
what is vetting? (1)
once the list of potential jurors is known, both the prosecution and defence have a right to see the list.
what act clears disabled people for jury service? (1)
s913 of juries act 1974
what is meant by dismissal due to lack of capacity? (2)
-person doesn’t understand English adequately
-some disability which makes them unsuitable (blind, deaf)
what are the types of vetting? (2)
-police checks
-wider background checks