Juries Flashcards
What is a jury?
Men and women chosen at random to hear the case and decide the facts from the evidence presented.
What verdicts can the jury deliver?
Guilty or not guilty.
Decision must be unanimous or have a majority of at least 10.
How do you qualify for jury service?
Be aged 18-75
Registered on the electoral register
Resident in UK for 5 years from age 13
When are you not eligible for jury service?
If you have a mental disorder.
What disqualifies you from jury service?
If you’re on bail
Served 5 or more years in prison
Been in prison for public protection
When can you not qualify for jury service for 10 years?
If you have a suspended sentence
Community order
Any time in prison
What is a deferral?
Postponing your jury service for up to 12 months.
What reasons must you give for a deferral?
Valid reasons like exams, operations or a pre-booked holiday.
What is an excusal?
Not having to partake in jury service due to specific circumstances.
What is the selection and appointment of juries?
People receive summons
Have their identity confirmed
15 people randomly chosen
12 of the 15 randomly selected
Sworn in
Why is the jury selected at random?
So they are independent and immpartial.
What is vetting?
Screening and checking potential jurors to ensure they are suitable to serve on a jury.
What are the 2 challenges that can be made towards a jury?
Challenge for cause
Challenge to the array
What is a challenge for cause?
When an individual juror is asked to be removed because they cannot be fair or impartial.
What is a challenge to the array?
When someone argues that the whole jury is considered to be unrepresentative.
What is an advantage of juries?
They offer protection against harsh or unjust laws since they often come to a verdict that is fair rather than legally correct.
What is a disadvantage of juries?
Jurors may not understand the case so they may not weigh up the evidence correctly.
What is an alternative to jury trial?
Using a panel of judges.
Quicker but removes public participation.
