Juries

Question 1

Where is the eligibility to be a Jury defined?

Answer 1

S1 Juries Act 1974 as amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

Question 2

What is the eligibility requirements to be a juror?

Answer 2

• 18-75
• Must been a UK resident for 5 years after 13th birthday
• Be on the electoral register

Question 3

Who is not eligible?

like all 3 of the things

Answer 3

• Mentally Disordered
• Disqualified
• Incapable

Question 4

Examples of Mentally Disordered

Answer 4

• Psychopathic disorders
• Resident of an institution or hospital

Question 5

Examples of Disqualified

Answer 5

Permanent disqualification: Life sentences, A custodial sentence over 5 yrs
Temporary (10yr) disqualification: Any sentence under 5 yrs, Those on bail are banned for the duration their bail

Question 6

Examples of Incapable

Answer 6

• Blind
• They can’t understand english

Question 7

Where are Excusals and deferrals defined

Answer 7

s9 of the Juries Act 1974

Question 8

Examples of some excusals or deferrals

Answer 8

• Wedding
• Exams
• Work commitments
• Childcare commitments
• Pre - booked holidays

Question 9

Where are names of Jurors selected from, and who’s responsibility is it?

Answer 9

The electoral register, it is the responsibility of the centeral jury summoning bureau

Question 10

What must those selected do after they have been selected if they cant serve?

Answer 10

Those summoned must notify the court of any reason why they cannot do jury service. If they dont notify = £1000 fine for non attendence

Question 11

What is the vetting process?

Answer 11

1. Police Checks - to ensure no potential juror is disqualified
2. Wider background checks - into juror’s political action (only allowed in exceptional circumstances)

Question 12

What is Challenging the whole jury?

Answer 12

This is called a challenge to the array, its made to the whole jury and is usually made because the jury is unrepresentative e.g. R v Fraser

Question 13

What is challenging an individual juror?

Answer 13

This is known as Challenging for cause. This is done if the juror is disqualified or knows someone on the case. e.g. R v Wilson and Sprason

Question 14

What does it mean when the prosecution asks a juror to stand by for the crown?

Answer 14

This means the juror will be put at the bottom of the list and will only be used if there is no one else. No reason is needed for this.

list of potential jurors (out of the 15 jurors)

Question 15

What is swearing in a jury?

Answer 15

Making the jury take an oath or affirmation to give a true verdict according to the evidence

Question 16

What are some concerns with the Jury?

Answer 16

1. it is very easy for jurors to research defendants or other relevant details in a case on the internet
2. As jury deliberations take place in secret it is very easy for internet research to be shared with other jurors

Question 17

What are some solutions to these problems?

Answer 17

The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 states:
- the trial judge has the power to order the jurors to hand in any electronic device before they go into the jury room to decide their verdict
- it is now a criminal offence to research a criminal case on the internet
- it is now a criminal offence for any juror to share any researched information with fellow jurors