Juries Flashcards
How long have they been used
Over 1000 years
Independence of jury case
Bushell Jury refused to convict quakers Judge then didn’t give them any food or drinks nd court fined them and sent to prison Court of appeal released them Can’t be punished for there verdict
Which court
Crown
3 Qualifications
Aged 18-75
Registered to vote
Resident in uk for 5 years since age of 13
Disqualified while on
Bail
Disqualified for life if
5 year+ prison sentence
Disqualified for 10 years if
Served prison sentence
Community order
3 people excused
Excusal - Members of armed forces
Discretionary - ill, business commitments, good reason
Mentally disordered
If fail to say you’re disqualified you get fined
£5000
What is vetting
Checkin suitability
2 types of vetting
Police checks - criminal records
Wider background check - cases involving national security
Challenge to the array is
A challenge to the whole jury on the basis it has been chosen in an unrepresentative way
3 steps of selection
Central office selects names form lists of electors
Summons sent to these people
Must attend unless disqualified
Can be challenged if
Defendant knows juror
Directed acquittal
Where judge decided there’s insufficient prosecution evidence
Directs jury to find d not guilty