Juries advantages

Question 1

public confidence

Answer 1

trial by peers, representative of society and is democratic. A survey by law society shows 80% of people would rather have a jury over a judge or magistrate.

Question 2

Jury equity

Answer 2

They decide verdict depending on what they think is morally right, don’t have to follow laws. R v Owen, jury sympathised, though he had already been punished enough, so found him not guilty despite overwhelming evidence.

Question 3

secrecy

Answer 3

contempt of court act 1981 makes it a crime to share discussions. Research shows they take discussions seriously, showed by aquittal rate in crown court (60%) compared to magistrates court.

Question 4

impartiality / no personal bias

Answer 4

not allowed to know anyone involved in the case. R v Wilson and Sprasen, was a wife of a prison officer overlooking D, so couldn’t be in the jury.