lay personnel

• Why are jury trials essential to democracy?

  They represent the general public's opinion.
• What is the role of a jury in a trial?

  To represent public opinion on legal matters.
• What issue arose in Woolmington v DPP [1935] regarding jury verdicts?

  The jury wrongly assumed guilt instead of innocence.
• Why should trials be concluded by trained experts?

  They ensure fair and just conclusions.
• What happened in the case of Ian Huntley regarding jury deliberation?

  The jury was sent home after three days.
• What is a lay magistrate?

  Part-time judges without legal qualifications.
• What are the six main qualifications to become a lay magistrate?

  Good character, understanding, social awareness, maturity, sound judgement, commitment.
• How do lay magistrates differ from district judges?

  Lay magistrates lack legal qualifications and pay.
• What is the role of a local advisory committee in magistrate selection?

  Provide local expertise and advocate for community needs.
• Who cannot become a lay magistrate?

  People with criminal convictions or undischarged bankrupts.
• How much time must a magistrate devote to their role?

  At least 26 half days a year.
• How are magistrates selected?

  Appointed by the lord chief justice.
• What training do magistrates receive?

  Initial training, core training, and court observations.
• What work do magistrates perform inside and outside the courtroom?

  Hear cases, impose sentences, and community involvement.
• How may magistrates be removed from their role?

  If they cannot achieve required competencies.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of trial by magistrates?

  Advantages:

  • Quicker and more efficient trials
  • Local knowledge enhances decisions
  • Reduced costs for the justice system

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Limited sentencing powers
  • Lack of legal training
  • Public perception of bias
• When does a jury trial take place in criminal courts?

  When a defendant is charged with a serious offence.
• How is a jury selected?

  Randomly from the eligible population.
• Who is eligible to serve on a jury?

  Anyone aged 18-75, registered to vote.
• What are the criteria for disqualification from jury service?

  Life imprisonment, mental disorder, certain excusals.
• What challenges exist in jury selection?

  Summoning more than 12 jurors due to disqualifications.
• What are the roles of the jury in a trial?

  Decide facts while the judge decides law.
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of trial by jury?

  Advantages:

  • Impartiality from diverse perspectives
  • Jury equity not bound by precedent
  • System openness and honesty
  • Secrecy protects jurors from influence
  • Enhances public confidence

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Potential for perverse decisions
  • Lack of explanations for verdicts
  • Racial bias and prejudice concerns
  • Media influence on jurors
  • Limited legal knowledge among jurors
• What is the split function in a trial?

  The judge decides law, jury decides facts.
• What is a majority verdict?

  A verdict reached by a majority of jurors.
• What is the secrecy rule regarding jury verdicts?

  No inquiry into how a verdict was reached.
• What is the role of a circuit judge?

  Appointed to circuits, hears civil or criminal cases.
• What does a district judge do?

  Hears a wide range of cases in county courts.
• What is the role of a magistrate?

  Volunteer justices of peace in magistrates' courts.
• What is the function of a recorder in the judicial system?

  First step to appointment on the circuit bench.
• What does a tribunal panel member do?

  Decides disputes in a specific area of law.
• What is the role of an upper tribunal judge?

  Specialist bodies in the upper tribunal.