Jury Sac Flashcards
Who are selected for jury service?
Registered voters from the electoral roll
Describe a process of jury selection
Notified by mail and must return a questionnaire to determine eligibility. If eligible they will receive a jury summons to attend court.
Describe the 3 categories of who are not able to serve in jury.
Ineligible - due to occupation ( worked in law in past 10 years ) or mental illness
Disqualified - been in prison or served a community correction order
Excused - ill health or having to care for dependants
What is the role of the jury?
Must listen to all the evidence, piece it together and decide who is in the wrong.
What is the jury system based on?
Trial by peers
Name 3 advantages of the jury system
Reflects community values- brings community values into decision making
System of trial by peers- accused feels more comfortable of a fair trial
Spreads responsibility- spreads decision rather then one person choosing
Name 3 disadvantages of the jury system
Biases- jurors must put aside all bias to make fair decision
Influence of media- jurors may form opinion before they hear evidence
Jurors may not follow law- may ignore law and make decision for other reason
What is a peremptory challenge?
Accused counsel able to challenge up to 6 jurors without reason
What are unlimited challenges?
Unlimited challenged allowed if their is a legitimate reason
Describe the reform of requiring juries to give reason for their decisions
The parties would be able to see appropriate application for points of law. However, it could be more difficult for the jury of 12 to settle on one reason
Describe the reform of reducing the jury size
Can make it easier to agree on a single decision due to less jurors. However this may increase likelihood of incorrect decision
Describe the reform of reducing challenges
Would reduce amount of ineligible for jury which better reflects community values. However this may be unfair on carers who need to look after sick or disabled
How much are jurors paid?
$40 a day for the first 6 days and after that it’s $80 a day
How many is in a jury in criminal cases?
12
