Juries - Role, Selection, Qualification, Appointment Flashcards
(13 cards)
What are the basic qualification to serve on a jury?
Aged 18-75
On the electoral register
Resident in the UK, Channel Islands, or the Isle of Man for atleast 5 years since age 13
Who is disqualified permanently from jury service?
Anyone with a life sentence or extended custodial sentence
Certain serious offenders under the Juried Act 1974
Who is disqualified temporarily from jury service?
Anyone with a prison or suspended sentence or community order in last 10 years
Who is ineligibile due to mental health?
Those under mental health treatment orders
Those lacking capacity to act as a juror
How are jurors selected?
Selected at random from the electoral register
A summons is issued by the Central Summoning Bureau
What happens at the jury vetting stage?
Background checks can be done for criminal records
In exceptional cases, further checks may be allowed with the Attorney General’s consent
What are challenges to jurors?
Challenge for cause - specific reason
Stand by for the Crown -prosecution asks juror to stand aside
Challenge to the array - if the whole panel is unrepresentative or improperly selected
What is the main role of a jury in a criminal trial?
To decide the verdict - guilty or not guilty - based on the facts and evidence presented in the Crown Court
What siz is a jury in a criminal trial?
Normally 12 but the trial can proceed with 10 if jurors are discharged
How does the jury reach a verdict?
Must initially aim for a unanimous verdict
If not possible after 2 hours and 10 minutes, a majority verdict is accepted
Does the jury give reasons for its decision?
No, The verdict is given without explanation due to the principle of jury secrecy
What types of cases are tried by jury?
All indictable offences
Either-way offences where defendant elects trial in Crown Court
Who sums up the case and directs the jury on the law?
The Judge. The jury must follow the judge’s legal directions
