Unit 3 AOS 2 Civil law - 3.2.6 Role of the Jury

Question 1

5 Roles of the jury

Answer 1

1. Independant and unbiased
2. Remeber all evidence presented
3. Understand directions and summing up from the judge
4. Determine liability
5. Determine damages (except in defemation)

Question 2

Similarities between civil and criminal juries (3)

Answer 2

1. Remain impartial
2. Listent to and remember evidence
3. Comply with obligations

Question 3

Differences between civil and criminal juries (2)

Answer 3

1. Criminal jury determines guilt whereas civil determines liability
2. Criminal jury never determines sanctions, whereas a civil jury may determine damages

Question 4

Strength of civil jury: Impartialtiy

Answer 4

Jurors are randomly selected from the electoral role - no dominating bias

Includes the general public, enhances public understanding

Diverse juries reflect a range of societal values

Upholds fairness

Question 5

Weakness of civil jury: Bias

Answer 5

Unconscious bias due to a lack of diversity/unavailability

Difficulty understanding legal principles means they may hold prejudice against a party

Limits fairness and access

Question 6

Strength of civil jury: Collective decision making

Answer 6

Deliberations can mitigate individual biases

Focus on the facts of the case

Reduces influence of bias, upholding fairness

Question 7

Weakness of Juries: Lack of Legal knowledge

Answer 7

Jurors may not always understand legal directions

Do not always possess extensive knowledge of the legal system

Need more time to reach a decision

Increases delays, reducing access and equality