Jury

Question 1

What is a Jury?

Answer 1

A system of judgment by ones peers who are unbiased and independent of the case.

Question 2

What is the role of a Jury?

Answer 2

The role of the jury is to listen to all the evidence, piece the evidence together and form a judgment.

Juries are not used in the Magistrates court

Question 3

Criminal Jury

Answer 3

12 jurors (up to 15 can be empanelled)

Standard of Proof:
Beyond Reasonable Doubt

Everyone agrees in a murder case (unanimous).

Juries are compulsory in criminal cases

Question 4

Civil Jury

Answer 4

6 jurors (up to 8 can be empanelled)

Standard of Proof:
Balance of Probabilities

A majority verdict is suitable

Juries are optional

Question 5

Ineligible

Answer 5

officially unable to be considered for a position

Question 6

Disqualified

Answer 6

declared ineligible because of an
offence or infringement

Question 7

excused

Answer 7

seek to lessen the blame attaching to a fault or offence

Question 8

served

Answer 8

perform duties or services for another person or organisation

Question 9

Strength of Juries

Answer 9

Independent and impartial.
Allow for the community to be involved in the process.
Must base decision on evidence presented in court.
Shares responsibility among several people so decision more likely to be correct.
Reflects community values

Question 10

Weakness of Juries

Answer 10

Do not give reasons for their decisions so we do not know how they reached their decision.
Task is difficult and evidence can be hard to follow.
Can be over-influenced by skilled barristers.
Can have biases.
Cause delays as technical and legal terms need to be explained.