The Jury Flashcards
How many jury members are there?
12
What do the jury do?
Decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty
What court do the jury sit in?
Mainly in the crown court to hear indictable or triable either way offences.
What type of cases do jury’s sit on?
Murder, GBH, rape, supply of class A drugs, burglary, robbery etc.
What does the judge do to assist the jury?
Advise them, sum up the case, give them questions to consider
Can jurors say what was said in the jury room outside the room?
No, even after the case is concluded
What verdict must jurors come to?
They must agree beyond reasonable doubt, if they don’t within 2 hrs the judge will allow for a 2-10 and it can go to a 3-9 or a re-trial
What are the basic qualifications for jury service? (3)
-aged 18-75
-on the electoral register
-resident in the UK for at least 5 years since 13th birthday
Do you have to sit on the jury if you are mentally disordered?
No
What can disqualify you from being on the jury?
-if they’ve served a sentence for 5 yrs or more
-imprisoned for public protection
-imprisoned for life
What can disqualify someone form jury duty for 10 yrs?
-served a sentence of imprisonment
-had a community order
-offenders on bail
What are reasons for an excusal from jury duty?
-if you’ve completed jury service in the last 2yrs
-a previous juror on a distressing trial
-member of armed forces
-cannot speak English
-over 65
-MP’s and MEP’s
What is a reason for a discretionary excusal?
A parent needing to look after a young child
What is the first stage of vetting that every juror must go through?
A routine check to ensure that a juror is not disqualified and DBS
check to see for previous criminal records etc
What is the second stage of vetting to be a juror that is only for specific cases?
a more in-depth jury vetting occurs where police, Special Branch and security service records a re checked. Normally done on cases to do with terrorism
