Juries

Question 1

What is the role of a jury?

Answer 1

Serve as an impartial body who listens to evidence given in court and based on the facts of the case, decide beyond a reasonable doubt whether D is guilty or not guilty

Question 2

How are jurors selected?

Answer 2

Jury summons - selected from electoral register

Question 3

How can a juror avoid jury duty?

Answer 3

Being underage, not being a uk citizen, criminal record, full time student, people over 70

Question 4

What are the advantages of juries?

Answer 4

• Public Confidence: Seen as fair and impartial as decisions are made by ordinary people
• Democratic Process: Allows public participation in the justice system
• Unanimity or Majority Verdict: Requires agreement between multiple people, reducing the risk of unfair decisions.

Question 5

What are some disadvantages of juries?

Answer 5

• Lack of Legal Knowledge: Jurors may struggle to understand complex legal terms and evidence
• Bias and Prejudice: Jurors may be influenced by media, stereotypes, or personal biases
• Inconsistent Decisions: Different juries may reach different verdicts in similar cases