Juries

• What is the historical significance of the 11th century in relation to juries?


  It marked the beginning of Trial by Ordeal.
• What significant case occurred in 1670 related to juries?


  Bushell’s Case.
• What does Justice Devlin suggest about the value of juries?


  Juries provide a different perspective than judges, symbolizing freedom.
• What is the primary role of juries in criminal courts?


  To decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty based on the facts.
• According to the Criminal Justice Act 2003, when can a lone judge preside over a case?


  When there is evidence of jury tampering.
• What percentage of criminal cases involve juries?


  Only 1% of criminal cases.
• What types of verdicts can juries deliver?


  Juries can deliver unanimous and majority verdicts.
• In civil courts, what percentage of cases involve juries?


  Fewer than 1% of civil cases.
• What types of cases might juries hear in civil court?


  Cases such as false imprisonment and fraud.
• What is the role of juries in coroner’s courts?

  To sit in cases where death has occurred under suspicious circumstances.
• What are some examples of cases that might be heard in coroner’s courts?


  Deaths in police custody and deaths caused by industrial accidents.
• What is the age range for individuals eligible for jury service?

  Aged 18 to 75.
• What is the purpose of the Jury Central Summoning Bureau?


  To randomly choose names from the electoral register for jury service.
• What are the residency requirements for jury service?


  Must be a resident in the UK for at least 5 years since their 13th birthday.
• What are some exceptions that disqualify individuals from jury service?

  Mental illness, being imprisoned for 5 years or more, or lack of capacity.
• What can happen if a juror fails to attend jury service?


  They can be fined up to £1,000.
• What is the process of jury selection?


  A central computer randomly selects names, and summons for jury service are sent out.
• What happens if a juror is disqualified?


  They may be fined up to £5,000 if they fail to disclose their disqualification.
• What are the two types of vetting for potential jurors?


  Routine police checks and wider background checks for national security cases.
• How many jurors are typically chosen from the jury pool?

  15 are chosen at random, with 12 forming the jury.
• What is the purpose of challenging a juror?


  To raise issues such as bias or disqualification.
• What is a challenge to the array?

  A challenge to the whole jury based on unrepresentative or biased selection.
• What case exemplifies a challenge to the array due to bias?

  Romford Jury – Old Bailey 1993.
• What is a challenge for cause?


  A challenge to an individual juror based on disqualification or bias.
• What was the outcome of R v Wilson and Sprason (1995)?


  The convictions were quashed due to juror bias.
• What is the prosecution's right of stand-by?


  It allows the prosecution to put a juror at the end of the list without providing a reason.
• What is the role of the jury in a criminal trial?


  To listen to evidence and decide questions of fact.
• What is jury secrecy?


  It refers to the confidentiality of jury deliberations.
• What are the two exceptions to jury secrecy?

  When jurors consider matters outside the evidence or when extraneous material is introduced.
• What can a judge do if there is a risk of perversion of justice?


  The judge can discharge jurors or the entire jury.
• What was the significance of Gregory v UK (1997)?


  The case highlighted the importance of jurors applying evidence without bias.
• What was the outcome of R v Pryce (2013)?


  The first jury was discharged due to misunderstanding their role.
• What are the key points regarding jury qualifications and exceptions?


  • Aged 18-75
  • On the electoral register
  • Resident in the UK for at least 5 years
  • Exceptions: mental illness, imprisonment for 5+ years, lack of capacity, etc.
• What is the process of jury selection and vetting?


  1. Central computer randomly selects names.
  2. Summons for jury service sent.
  3. Vetting includes routine police checks and wider background checks.
  4. 15 jurors are chosen, 12 form the jury.
• What are the types of challenges that can be made against jurors?

  • Challenge to the array: whole jury selection.
  • Challenge for cause: individual juror's qualifications.
  • Right of stand-by: prosecution's ability to delay juror's service.
• What are the roles and responsibilities of jurors in a trial?


  • Listen to evidence and judge's summation.
  • Decide questions of fact.
  • Deliberate in secret and do not need to provide reasons for decisions.
• What are the implications of jury secrecy and its exceptions?


  • Jury deliberations are confidential.
  • Exceptions: evidence of external influence or extraneous material introduced.
• What can lead to the discharge of jurors or the entire jury?


  • Risk of perversion of justice.
  • Inability to perform their role effectively.
• Who is Clarissa in the context of jury suitability?


  Clarissa is 29 and in the armed forces.
• What is Thomas's age and his need related to jury service?


  Thomas is 72 and needs a walking stick.