Juries

Question 1

What are the disqualifications of jurors?

Answer 1

-currently on bail
-given custodial sentence over 5 years
-been sentenced to custody or community
sentence within last 10 years
-mentally ill

Question 2

What are some discharges of jurors?

Answer 2

• not physically capable of sitting in court
• do not speak or understand English
• armed forces
• long term disability

Question 3

How are jurors selected?

Answer 3

• selected at random from a computer at central summonings bureau
• 12 names are selected by ballot at court

Question 4

What are jurors roles in criminal trials?

Answer 4

• decide verdict in serious criminal cases in the crown court
• listen to evidence and decide facts
• discuss evidence and verdict with other jurors
• deliver verdict

Question 5

What is the role of jurors in civil trials?

Answer 5

• listen to evidence and decide facts
• discuss evidence and verdict with other jurors
• deliver verdict

Question 6

What are the advantages of jurors?

Answer 6

• public confidence
• 12 different view points (unbiased)
• come to decision by their own conscience
• represent ordinary people just like them

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of jurors?

Answer 7

• may not understand legal point made during the trial
• may be influenced by media in high profile cases
• may come to decision by unauthorised methods and nobody would know
• may be threatened to vote a certain way

Question 8

What are the 3 qualifications jurors need?

Answer 8

• Aged 18-70
• Lived in Uk for at least 5 years
• Entered on electoral register