Verdicts In Criminal Trials

Question 1

What must the jury first try to reach

Answer 1

A unanimous decision ( all members of the jury agree )

Question 2

What happens if a unanimous verdict isn’t possible after 6 hours

Answer 2

A majority verdict can be accepted (11/12)

Question 3

When can’t a majority verdict be accepted?

Answer 3

Serious indictable offences

Question 4

Give an example of a jury finding an accused not guilty, but guilty of a lesser offence

Answer 4

Not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter

Question 5

What happens if the jury finds the accused guilty?

Answer 5

The judge will pass a sentence

Question 6

When can the judge direct the jury to acquit the accused?

Answer 6

If the judge believes the evidence does not support a conviction

Question 7

What happens if a jury is unable to reach a unanimous or majority verdict

Answer 7

A hung jury

Question 8

What happens after a hung jury verdict

Answer 8

A new trial, with a new jury, will usually be conducted