The jury system in the UK is a fundamental part of the criminal justice system that allows ordinary citizens to participate in the legal process and make decisions about guilt or innocence.

In the UK, anyone aged 18-75 who is registered to vote and has lived in the country for at least 5 years can be called for jury service. However, certain people are disqualified, including those with recent criminal convictions or those with mental health conditions that make them unfit to serve. When selected, jurors must attend court for up to 10 working days, though some trials may last longer. Employers are legally required to allow employees time off for jury service, though compensation for lost wages varies.

The concept of jury equity is a key strength of the system, allowing juries to deliver verdicts based on their conscience and sense of justice, even if it means going against the strict letter of the law. This provides a safeguard against unjust laws and maintains public confidence in the justice system. However, there are also challenges - jurors may lack understanding of complex legal concepts or technical evidence, and there's potential for bias or intimidation to influence decisions. The requirement for unanimous or near-unanimous verdicts helps ensure thorough deliberation, but can also lead to hung juries and retrials. Despite these issues, the jury system remains widely supported as it brings community values and common sense into the courtroom, making justice more democratic and accountable to ordinary citizens.

The process requires 12 jurors to reach a verdict after hearing all evidence and receiving legal direction from the judge. They must keep their deliberations completely confidential and are prohibited from researching cases independently or discussing them with anyone outside the jury room. This helps maintain the integrity of trials and ensures decisions are based solely on evidence presented in court. While not perfect, the system provides important checks and balances in criminal justice.