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9 Dec 2025
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The Role of Lay People in Criminal Cases: An Overview
learningaboutpeople
@learningaboutpeople2
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Juries: Everyday People Making Life-Changing Decisions
Think about it - in serious criminal cases, 12 randomly selected people from your local area decide whether someone goes to prison or walks free. Juries handle about 1% of criminal cases, but these are typically the most serious ones heard in Crown Court.
The system works by randomly selecting people aged 18-75 from voting registers. You can't serve if you've had a prison sentence of 5+ years, have certain mental health conditions, or can't speak English. The random selection process aims to create a diverse group that truly represents society - different ages, backgrounds, and life experiences all coming together.
Advantages of juries include genuine public representation. When 12 people from various walks of life deliberate together, their different perspectives can balance out individual biases. This diversity often leads to fairer, more objective decisions than a single person might make.
Real Talk: Juries also boost public confidence because ordinary citizens - not just legal professionals - are making these crucial decisions.
However, media influence poses a serious problem. High-profile cases get massive coverage, making it nearly impossible for jurors to avoid bias-inducing information. The Taylor sisters' case (1993) perfectly illustrates this - media coverage was so misleading that a fair trial became impossible, leading to a successful appeal.
When Juries Go Rogue: The Ponting Problem
Sometimes juries make perverse decisions - verdicts that completely ignore the law and evidence. While this might sound terrible, it reflects how ordinary people sometimes prioritise what feels morally right over strict legal rules.
The Ponting case (1985) shows this perfectly. Clive Ponting leaked government documents about the Falklands War, clearly breaking the Official Secrets Act. Despite having no legal defence whatsoever, the jury found him not guilty because they believed the public deserved to know the truth. Emotional appeals can override cold facts.
Magistrates: The Workhorses of Criminal Justice
Here's something that might surprise you - magistrates handle roughly 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales. These volunteers deal with less serious offences and preliminary hearings, making them the backbone of our justice system.
Unlike juries, magistrates receive extensive training in court procedures, sentencing guidelines, and decision-making skills. They must commit to at least 26 half-days per year and possess six key qualities: sound judgement, commitment, social awareness, maturity, understanding, and good character.
Money Matters: Magistrates cost taxpayers around £2,500 annually each, compared to professional judges who earn £168,000 - that's a massive saving!
Local knowledge proves invaluable. In Paul v. DPP (1989), magistrates recognised kerb crawling as a specific problem in their area and convicted accordingly. This insider understanding of community issues helps create more relevant, effective justice.
The Magistrates' Problem: Middle-Class Justice
Here's the uncomfortable truth about magistrates - they're overwhelmingly middle-class and middle-aged. Only 4% are under 40, yet most offenders are under 25. This creates a massive disconnect between those judging and those being judged.
The time commitment required means working-class people often can't afford to volunteer, leaving magistrates dominated by financially comfortable professionals. This demographic imbalance leads to potential bias - magistrates might struggle to understand defendants from different backgrounds.
Even worse, magistrates develop close working relationships with police and prosecutors through frequent contact. They favour the prosecution in about 90% of cases, which raises serious fairness concerns. R v Bingham (1974) perfectly demonstrates this - magistrates explicitly stated they trusted police evidence over other testimony.
Sentencing inconsistencies create another major problem. Despite identical training, different areas hand out wildly different punishments for similar crimes. In 2012, Bristol magistrates sent 11.1% of offenders to prison compared to just 6.8% in Coventry - your postcode shouldn't determine your sentence!
Bottom Line: While lay people bring valuable public participation to criminal justice, issues of representation, bias, and consistency remain significant challenges.
The system works because it involves ordinary citizens in crucial decisions, but these very citizens bring their own limitations and prejudices. Understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of lay participation helps you grasp how criminal justice actually operates in practice, not just in theory.
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The Role of Lay People in Criminal Cases: An Overview
learningaboutpeople
@learningaboutpeople2
Ever wondered who actually makes decisions in criminal courts? It's not just professionally trained judges - ordinary people like you and your neighbours play a massive role in the UK's justice system as lay people. These volunteers and randomly... Show more
Juries: Everyday People Making Life-Changing Decisions
Think about it - in serious criminal cases, 12 randomly selected people from your local area decide whether someone goes to prison or walks free. Juries handle about 1% of criminal cases, but these are typically the most serious ones heard in Crown Court.
The system works by randomly selecting people aged 18-75 from voting registers. You can't serve if you've had a prison sentence of 5+ years, have certain mental health conditions, or can't speak English. The random selection process aims to create a diverse group that truly represents society - different ages, backgrounds, and life experiences all coming together.
Advantages of juries include genuine public representation. When 12 people from various walks of life deliberate together, their different perspectives can balance out individual biases. This diversity often leads to fairer, more objective decisions than a single person might make.
Real Talk: Juries also boost public confidence because ordinary citizens - not just legal professionals - are making these crucial decisions.
However, media influence poses a serious problem. High-profile cases get massive coverage, making it nearly impossible for jurors to avoid bias-inducing information. The Taylor sisters' case (1993) perfectly illustrates this - media coverage was so misleading that a fair trial became impossible, leading to a successful appeal.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
When Juries Go Rogue: The Ponting Problem
Sometimes juries make perverse decisions - verdicts that completely ignore the law and evidence. While this might sound terrible, it reflects how ordinary people sometimes prioritise what feels morally right over strict legal rules.
The Ponting case (1985) shows this perfectly. Clive Ponting leaked government documents about the Falklands War, clearly breaking the Official Secrets Act. Despite having no legal defence whatsoever, the jury found him not guilty because they believed the public deserved to know the truth. Emotional appeals can override cold facts.
Magistrates: The Workhorses of Criminal Justice
Here's something that might surprise you - magistrates handle roughly 95% of all criminal cases in England and Wales. These volunteers deal with less serious offences and preliminary hearings, making them the backbone of our justice system.
Unlike juries, magistrates receive extensive training in court procedures, sentencing guidelines, and decision-making skills. They must commit to at least 26 half-days per year and possess six key qualities: sound judgement, commitment, social awareness, maturity, understanding, and good character.
Money Matters: Magistrates cost taxpayers around £2,500 annually each, compared to professional judges who earn £168,000 - that's a massive saving!
Local knowledge proves invaluable. In Paul v. DPP (1989), magistrates recognised kerb crawling as a specific problem in their area and convicted accordingly. This insider understanding of community issues helps create more relevant, effective justice.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Magistrates' Problem: Middle-Class Justice
Here's the uncomfortable truth about magistrates - they're overwhelmingly middle-class and middle-aged. Only 4% are under 40, yet most offenders are under 25. This creates a massive disconnect between those judging and those being judged.
The time commitment required means working-class people often can't afford to volunteer, leaving magistrates dominated by financially comfortable professionals. This demographic imbalance leads to potential bias - magistrates might struggle to understand defendants from different backgrounds.
Even worse, magistrates develop close working relationships with police and prosecutors through frequent contact. They favour the prosecution in about 90% of cases, which raises serious fairness concerns. R v Bingham (1974) perfectly demonstrates this - magistrates explicitly stated they trusted police evidence over other testimony.
Sentencing inconsistencies create another major problem. Despite identical training, different areas hand out wildly different punishments for similar crimes. In 2012, Bristol magistrates sent 11.1% of offenders to prison compared to just 6.8% in Coventry - your postcode shouldn't determine your sentence!
Bottom Line: While lay people bring valuable public participation to criminal justice, issues of representation, bias, and consistency remain significant challenges.
The system works because it involves ordinary citizens in crucial decisions, but these very citizens bring their own limitations and prejudices. Understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of lay participation helps you grasp how criminal justice actually operates in practice, not just in theory.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Bias
Most popular content in Criminology
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user