Juries Flashcards
What was Lord Devlin’s view of juries?
They are “the lamp that shows that freedom lives”
What acts govern juries?
The Juries Act 1974, amended by the Criminal Justice Act 2003
What are the qualifications of a jury?
- 18-75 years of age
- On the electoral register
- Resident of the UK for 5 years from 13 years old
What makes a juror ineligible?
Mental disorder
What disqualifies a juror?
- On bail
- Served 5 or more years in prison
- Been in prison for public protection
When can a juror not serve for 10 years?
- Suspended sentence
- Community order
- Any time in prison
What is deferral?
Delaying jury service for good reason
What is excusal?
Excused from jury service for 12 months in an exceptional circumstance
What are the stages of the jury selection process?
- Summons
- Identity is confirmed
- 15 chosen at random
- 12 are selected from the 15
- 12 are sworn in
In what case was a DBS check of the juror made mandatory?
R v Mason
When can an authorised jury check take place?
In a case of national security and when authorised by the Attorney General
What is challenge for cause?
A juror is challenged for not being impartial
What is challenge to the array?
The jury is challenged for being unrepresentative
What is the prosecution’s right to ask jurors to stand by?
The prosecution can excuse a juror but only when they are clearly unsuitable and when agreed on by the defence
What is the role of the jury?
To come to a verdict based on the facts and apply the law as directed by the judge
