Juries Flashcards
(3 cards)
The role of jury
A jury is a group of 12 people who sit in the crown court, they play a critical role in the criminal justice system. A jury is responsible for listening to the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence during a criminal trial. At the end of the trial the judge will sum up the evidence and explain the law to the jury. In some cases the judge will direct an acquittal but they cannot make a jury find a defendant guilty. Jurors will then retire to a deliberation room where they nominate a jury foreman and should discuss the case remaining impartial and unbiased. Juries are independent which means they are free to make decisions without pressure (Bushell’s Case 1670) Their discussions are held entirely in private S.8 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 makes it a criminal offence to disclose the juries’ deliberations. After deliberating on the evidence and legal instructions, the jury reaches a verdict. The verdict can be “guilty” if they believe the defendant is proven beyond a reasonable doubt to have committed the crime, or “not guilty” if they believe there is not enough evidence to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In most criminal trials, the jury’s decision must be unanimous however if, after at least two hours, the jury has not reached a verdict, the judge can call it back into the court room and direct it that he can now accept a majority verdict. This has been allowed since 1967. Once they have made their decision, they return to court and the foreman announces whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. They do not offer any reason for their decision. The judge then decides the sentence.
jury qualification
people are chosen at random from the electoral roll to serve on a jury at a crown court reasonably close to where the juror lives . the Jurors Act 1974-any person is eligible provided they fulfils certain consitions. Aged at least least 18 and under 71 on the day that the jury services is due to starty registered on the electoral roll lived in the UK for a least 5 years after the age of 13
Disqualifications from being a jury
this is defined under the criminal justice act 2003
Bail for criminal offence
Imprisonment for life
Imprisonment for public protection
Extended sentences in Scotland
Mental disorder
Condition leading to disqualification if hospitalized.
Community orders
Various orders disqualifying individuals from jury service.
Mental Health Act 1983
Governs guardianship affecting jury service eligibility.
Court decision on affairs
Court ruling on incapacity disqualifies from jury service.
