Juries Flashcards
What age range must a person fall within to be eligible for jury service according to the Juries Act 1974?
18 to 75 years old
What is one requirement for a person to be eligible for jury service?
Listed on the electoral register
How long must a person have been a resident in the UK to qualify for jury service?
At least 5 years since their 13th birthday
Name a group of people who cannot sit on a jury despite being eligible.
Mentally disordered people
What type of previous convictions may disqualify a person from jury service?
Imprisonment for over five years or a temporary 10-year ban for lesser sentences
Fill in the blank: A person may be considered ‘incapable’ for jury service if they have a _______.
[physical disability]
Under what circumstances can a person be excused or have their jury service deferred?
If they have a ‘good reason’
Give an example of a ‘good reason’ for deferring jury service.
Unable to get child care or having upcoming exams
How are potential jurors selected for jury service?
Randomly by computer by the Central Juror Summoning Bureau
What checks can be carried out on potential jurors?
Routine police checks and wider background checks with AG’s permission
How many names are selected at random by the court clerk from the potential jurors?
12 out of 15
What right do the defense and prosecution have before jurors are sworn in?
The right to challenge
What is a challenge to the array?
A challenge made to the whole jury for being unrepresentative
Provide an example case of a challenge to the array.
R V Fraser
What is a challenge for cause?
A challenge made to an individual juror
Give an example of a situation that may lead to a challenge for cause.
A juror knows someone involved in the case, as in R v Wilson and Sprason
What can the prosecution ask regarding three jurors?
To ‘stand by for the crown’
Is a reason needed for the prosecution to ask for jurors to ‘stand by for the crown’?
No reason is needed
What must jurors do during the swearing-in process?
Take either an oath or affirmation
What do jurors promise when they are sworn in?
To base their verdict only on the evidence in court
What is the role of the jury in the Crown Court?
To decide the verdict based solely on evidence given in court
The jury must not be influenced by anything outside the courtroom.
What types of offences are heard by a jury in the Crown Court?
Indictable offences and some triable either way offences
Examples include murder and theft.
What must jurors do before deciding a verdict?
Swear an oath or affirmation to base their decision solely on evidence presented in court
What was the significance of Attorney General v Dallas?
Established that researching a case is a crime for jurors
Mrs. Dallas received a prison sentence for doing so.
What case established that a judge cannot influence a juror’s decision?
Bushell’s case
What must jurors listen to during the trial?
The judge’s summary of the case and guidance on points of law
How can jurors ask questions if they do not understand the law?
By passing a note to the usher to give to the judge
What is a directed acquittal?
When the judge directs the jury to acquit the defendant due to insufficient evidence
What does the Contempt of Court Act 1981 stipulate about jury discussions?
Jurors must not disclose any information discussed to anyone outside
What is the role of the foreman/woman in the jury?
To control discussion in the jury room and read out the verdict in court
What type of verdict is required initially from the jury?
A unanimous verdict (12-0 jurors agreed)
After how many hours of deliberation can a legal majority verdict be accepted?
After 2 or more hours of deliberation
What is the minimum number of jurors required for a legal majority?
At least 10 jurors agreed
What happens if less than 10 jurors agree on a verdict?
It results in a hung jury and the defendant faces a retrial with a new jury
Example case: R v Jenkins.
What does the Juries Act 1974 require regarding the foreman’s report?
The foreman must read out the number of jurors agreeing/disagreeing
