Juries Evaluation Flashcards
What is random selection
Choosing people that has no connection with the relevant cases. This is because the people are selected from theelectoral register which will also be vetted by the policeroutine check or a wider background check
What the secrecy of the jury room
It ensure that jury start their deliberation without any pressure as no one can hear the discussion. Also canprotect the jurors from being influenced by external factors
How many jurors do they have
12
Why do they have 12 jurors
As the opinion of 12 jurors is better than just one people as it will stop biases opinions
What is a open system of justice
There is no other part of the constitution that is so open to the public, where ordinary people participate indecision of such immediate importance and wield real power
What is jury equity
The jury is directed by the judge but can make decision based on fairness, they don’t have follow precedent and don’t have to give reasons
Why is secrecy in a jury room disadvantage and advantage
The disadvantage is as there secrecy meaning no reasons need to be provided harder to understand
The advantage is that protect the jurors from external factors
A negative is perverse decisions, what is that
Juries can ignore laws deemed unjust which leads to controversial acquittals like the case Rv Randle where jurors refused to convict for aiding a spy’s escape, seeing law was unjust
Negative= racial bias?
Can affect the verdict
Negative: lack of understanding?
With complex cases may confuse jurors which can affect the verdict accuracy
Negative: media influence?
With high profile cases can prejudiced by the media
Negative: High acquittal rates
Criticised for acquitting too many defendants with stats showing 60% acquittal rates for those pleading not guilty at the crown court, affecting the verdict accuracy
Negative: jury service strain?
Doing jury service is considered as unpopular and stress as the jury is exposed to disturbing evidence affecting them mentally
what does public participation bring (ADS)
brings democracy into the justice system, ensuring public interest
what does diverse perspectives bring what (ADS)
Bring a range of viewpoints to the decision-making process
how does reduce judicial bias (ADS)
as it helps prevent decisions being made solely by legal professionals who may have unconscious bias
how does it protect Ds (ADS)
Juries are less likely to base their decisions solely on the law and more likely to focus on the reasonableness and fairness of the evidence given to them, providing a better chance of a fair trial
how is time and cost a negative for juries
jury trials are longer and more expensive than magistrates trials, such as jury deliberation or explanation of legal principles to the jurors
how can it create potential for unreliable verdicts
Group dynamics may cause a juror to go with an opinion that they don’t fully agree with, dominant personalities may unfairly influence others and the outcome they come to
jury equity can be imposed
meaning that even if the crime was commit the jury can go against that as they can see it as morally accepted
