Ever wondered who actually makes decisions in criminal cases besides... Show more
CriminologySign 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
1,155
โข
17 Dec 2025
โข
Understanding the Role of Laypeople in Criminal Cases
K๐ฉท
@kstudies
1 / 3
Understanding Lay People in Criminal Cases
Lay people are ordinary members of the public without legal qualifications who serve in criminal courts. They bring a democratic element to justice by allowing everyday citizens to participate in legal decisions rather than leaving everything to professional lawyers and judges.
Juries consist of 12 randomly selected people aged 18-75 from the electoral register. Their job is straightforward: listen to evidence, discuss the case together, and decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. However, people on probation, bail, or with prison records can't serve.
The jury system's secrecy is both a blessing and a curse. Jurors can make decisions without outside pressure, allowing them to ignore strict law when fairness demands it. But this secrecy means no explanations are given for verdicts. In R v Connor and Rollock, jurors admitted they convicted both defendants just to "teach them a lesson" without knowing who actually committed the crime - yet the courts couldn't overturn this because jury discussions are protected.
Quick Tip: Remember that jury secrecy protects independence but prevents accountability - this is a key tension you'll see in exam questions.
Jury Strengths and Weaknesses
Public confidence in juries runs high because being judged by your peers feels fairer than state-appointed officials making decisions. This democratic approach puts power in citizens' hands rather than purely in government institutions.
However, complex fraud trials expose jury limitations. These cases involve complicated financial evidence that ordinary people might struggle to understand, and lengthy trials force jurors to miss work for extended periods. Some fraud cases can drag on for months, making jury service incredibly difficult.
Jury tampering presents serious risks, with criminals attempting to bribe or intimidate jurors. R v Twomey and others (2009) became the first judge-only trial after jury tampering attempts. Protecting a jury would have cost ยฃ6 million and required 82 officers - highlighting how criminal intimidation can undermine the entire system.
The system works well for straightforward cases but struggles with complexity and criminal interference. Young people can serve from age 18, bringing fresh perspectives, but this democratic ideal faces practical challenges in our modern legal landscape.
Remember: Jury tampering led to the 2003 Criminal Justice Act allowing judge-only trials in extreme circumstances.
Magistrates: The Workhorses of Criminal Justice
Magistrates handle the vast majority of criminal cases - about 95% of all cases start and finish in magistrates' courts. These volunteers aged 18-74 work part-time in their local communities, dealing with less serious crimes and deciding punishments up to 6 months imprisonment and ยฃ5,000 fines.
Local knowledge gives magistrates a real advantage. They understand their community's problems and priorities, making decisions that reflect local needs. Three magistrates work together on each case, keeping decisions balanced and democratic rather than leaving everything to professional judges.
Yet bias concerns are significant - magistrates convict over 90% of defendants. Critics argue they rely too heavily on police evidence, especially when seeing the same officers repeatedly in local courts. This familiarity can create dangerous relationships that compromise fairness.
Representation issues create further problems. While magistrates reflect gender and ethnicity better than judges (56% female, 13% ethnic minorities in 2019), they're overwhelmingly middle-class and older. Only 1% are under 30, while 49% are over 60 - creating potential age bias when most defendants are under 25. Working-class people simply can't afford unpaid voluntary work, skewing the system towards those with comfortable financial situations.
Key Fact: Magistrates are more representative than judges in gender and ethnicity, but less representative in age and social class.
We thought youโd 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 โ all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Criminology
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 โ 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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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
Understanding the Role of Laypeople in Criminal Cases
K๐ฉท
@kstudies
Ever wondered who actually makes decisions in criminal cases besides judges? In the UK legal system, ordinary people like you and your neighbours play crucial roles as jurors and magistrates, bringing democracy and community values into courtrooms across the country.
Understanding Lay People in Criminal Cases
Lay people are ordinary members of the public without legal qualifications who serve in criminal courts. They bring a democratic element to justice by allowing everyday citizens to participate in legal decisions rather than leaving everything to professional lawyers and judges.
Juries consist of 12 randomly selected people aged 18-75 from the electoral register. Their job is straightforward: listen to evidence, discuss the case together, and decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. However, people on probation, bail, or with prison records can't serve.
The jury system's secrecy is both a blessing and a curse. Jurors can make decisions without outside pressure, allowing them to ignore strict law when fairness demands it. But this secrecy means no explanations are given for verdicts. In R v Connor and Rollock, jurors admitted they convicted both defendants just to "teach them a lesson" without knowing who actually committed the crime - yet the courts couldn't overturn this because jury discussions are protected.
Quick Tip: Remember that jury secrecy protects independence but prevents accountability - this is a key tension you'll see in exam questions.
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
Jury Strengths and Weaknesses
Public confidence in juries runs high because being judged by your peers feels fairer than state-appointed officials making decisions. This democratic approach puts power in citizens' hands rather than purely in government institutions.
However, complex fraud trials expose jury limitations. These cases involve complicated financial evidence that ordinary people might struggle to understand, and lengthy trials force jurors to miss work for extended periods. Some fraud cases can drag on for months, making jury service incredibly difficult.
Jury tampering presents serious risks, with criminals attempting to bribe or intimidate jurors. R v Twomey and others (2009) became the first judge-only trial after jury tampering attempts. Protecting a jury would have cost ยฃ6 million and required 82 officers - highlighting how criminal intimidation can undermine the entire system.
The system works well for straightforward cases but struggles with complexity and criminal interference. Young people can serve from age 18, bringing fresh perspectives, but this democratic ideal faces practical challenges in our modern legal landscape.
Remember: Jury tampering led to the 2003 Criminal Justice Act allowing judge-only trials in extreme circumstances.
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
Magistrates: The Workhorses of Criminal Justice
Magistrates handle the vast majority of criminal cases - about 95% of all cases start and finish in magistrates' courts. These volunteers aged 18-74 work part-time in their local communities, dealing with less serious crimes and deciding punishments up to 6 months imprisonment and ยฃ5,000 fines.
Local knowledge gives magistrates a real advantage. They understand their community's problems and priorities, making decisions that reflect local needs. Three magistrates work together on each case, keeping decisions balanced and democratic rather than leaving everything to professional judges.
Yet bias concerns are significant - magistrates convict over 90% of defendants. Critics argue they rely too heavily on police evidence, especially when seeing the same officers repeatedly in local courts. This familiarity can create dangerous relationships that compromise fairness.
Representation issues create further problems. While magistrates reflect gender and ethnicity better than judges (56% female, 13% ethnic minorities in 2019), they're overwhelmingly middle-class and older. Only 1% are under 30, while 49% are over 60 - creating potential age bias when most defendants are under 25. Working-class people simply can't afford unpaid voluntary work, skewing the system towards those with comfortable financial situations.
Key Fact: Magistrates are more representative than judges in gender and ethnicity, but less representative in age and social class.
We thought youโd 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 โ all at your fingertips.
13
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: โ 50+ Practice Questions โ Interactive Flashcards โ Full Mock Exam โ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Most popular content: Criminology
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 โ 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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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 itโs 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 didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm 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 ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
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