PAPER 1 ROLE OF JURY IN CROWN COURT Flashcards
What is the age range of jurors in the crown court?
18 to 75
This range indicates the legal age limits for jurors in the crown court.
What types of offences are heard in the crown court?
Indictable only offences and either-way offences
Indictable only offences include serious crimes like murder and robbery, while either-way offences include crimes like theft and assault.
What is the primary role of the jury in the crown court?
To decide the verdict of guilty or not guilty
The jury’s decision is based on the evidence presented during the trial.
What must jurors do to reach a verdict?
Listen to the case from both prosecution and defence, and the judge’s summing up
This process ensures that jurors are informed about the facts and legal context of the case.
What can jurors do during the trial?
Make notes
Note-taking helps jurors remember important details of the case.
How can jurors ask questions during the trial?
By passing a note to the usher
This method allows jurors to seek clarification without disrupting the trial.
What happens after the jury retires to consider their verdict?
Their discussions are secret
This confidentiality is essential for the integrity of the jury’s deliberation process.
What is the time limit for jurors to reach a unanimous decision?
2 hours
After this time, they may seek permission from the judge for a majority decision.
What majority decisions can jurors reach if they cannot agree unanimously?
11-1 or 10-2
This flexibility allows the jury to conclude the trial even if full consensus is not achieved.
What standard must jurors meet to find a defendant guilty?
Beyond reasonable doubt
This high standard protects against wrongful convictions.
Who announces the verdict in court?
The foreman chosen by the jury
The foreman is the spokesperson for the jury’s decision.
What happens to jurors after they announce their verdict?
Their role is over
Jurors do not have further involvement in the case once the verdict is delivered.
What does the Contempt of Court Act 1981 prohibit jurors from doing?
Carrying out their own research and making public what was said in the jury room
These restrictions are in place to maintain the trial’s integrity and confidentiality.
