Lay people juries play a crucial role in the UK... Show more
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6
1
lily (taylor’s version)
06/02/2023
Law
lay people - juries
410
•
6 Feb 2023
•
What Are Lay People in Court UK and How Juries Work: Easy Guide for Kids
Jury Selection and Discretionary Excusal
The jury selection process involves several steps to ensure a fair and impartial panel. How to get picked for jury duty UK depends on meeting the qualifications and not being disqualified or excused.
Vocabulary: Discretionary excusal refers to the ability of judges to excuse potential jurors for valid reasons.
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 provides guidelines for excusal from jury service. Certain professions, such as lawyers, judges, and police officers, may be excused to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
Example: In Hanif v UK , it was determined that a police officer could not serve as a juror due to potential bias.
Reasons for discretionary excusal include:
- Lack of capacity
- Disability that prevents effective service
- Significant hardship or inconvenience
Jury vetting is a process to ensure the suitability of potential jurors:
- Police checks to verify eligibility
- Wider background checks in cases involving national security or terrorism
Highlight: The goal of jury selection is to create a diverse panel representing a cross-section of society.
Can you be called for jury service twice UK? Yes, but there are restrictions on how often you can be called. How often can you be called for jury service UK depends on various factors, including the need for jurors in your area.
Jury Deliberations and Verdicts
The role of the jury in criminal cases is to decide on the guilt or innocence of the defendant based on the evidence presented. Differences between magistrates and juries include the number of decision-makers and the types of cases they handle.
Definition: Jury equity refers to the power of juries to acquit a defendant even if the evidence suggests guilt, based on their sense of justice or conscience.
Key aspects of jury deliberations and verdicts include:
- Directed acquittal: A judge may direct the jury to acquit if there is insufficient evidence.
- Majority verdicts: At least 10 out of 12 jurors must agree for a valid verdict.
- Unanimous verdicts: All 12 jurors agree on the decision.
- Secrecy: Jury deliberations must remain confidential.
Example: In R v Mirza , the importance of jury secrecy was upheld by the courts.
Advantages of lay magistrates and juries in the legal system include:
- Public confidence in the justice system
- Impartiality and independence
- Representation of community values
Disadvantages of lay magistrates and juries may include:
- Potential for bias
- Lack of legal understanding in complex cases
- Risk of jury tampering or intimidation
Quote: "The jury may be biased by the media." - This highlights the potential influence of external factors on jury decisions.
Alternatives to Jury Trials and Conclusion
In some cases, alternatives to traditional jury trials may be considered. Where did trial by jury come from and Is the jury system effective are questions that continue to be debated in legal circles.
Alternatives to jury trials include:
- Trial by a single judge
- A panel of judges
- A judge with lay assessors
- Mini-juries
Example: In R v Twomey & Others , a judge-only trial was ordered due to concerns about jury tampering.
Advantages and disadvantages of the jury system Essay topics often explore the balance between public participation and expertise in the legal system.
Highlight: High acquittal rates in jury trials have led to discussions about the effectiveness of the system in certain types of cases, such as complex fraud trials.
In conclusion, the use of lay people in magistrates' court and juries in criminal cases remains a fundamental aspect of the UK legal system. While there are challenges and potential drawbacks, the involvement of lay people in the justice process continues to be valued for its contribution to public confidence and the representation of community standards in legal decision-making.
History and Role of Juries in Criminal Cases
The use of juries in criminal cases has a long history in the UK legal system. Lay people in magistrates' court and Crown Court play a crucial role in determining the outcome of criminal trials.
Highlight: Juries are considered "deciders of fact" in criminal cases, responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused based on the evidence presented.
The independence of juries is a fundamental principle, as established in the case of Bushell . This case affirmed that juries must be free to make their own decisions without interference.
Example: In R v McKenna , the importance of jury independence in criminal cases was further reinforced.
Who are Lay magistrates and jurors? The Juries Act 1974 outlines the qualifications for jury service:
- Age: 18-75 years old
- Listed on the electoral register
- Resident in the UK for at least 5 years
Definition: A jury in a criminal trial consists of 12 members who serve as "arbiters of fact," drawing conclusions based on the evidence presented in court.
Certain individuals are disqualified from jury service, including:
- Prisoners serving life sentences or more than 5 years
- Mentally disordered persons certified as suffering from mental health issues
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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
What Are Lay People in Court UK and How Juries Work: Easy Guide for Kids
Lay people juries play a crucial role in the UK criminal justice system. Lay people juries in criminal courtsare groups of 12 citizens who decide on the guilt or innocence of defendants in serious criminal cases. This system has... Show more
Jury Selection and Discretionary Excusal
The jury selection process involves several steps to ensure a fair and impartial panel. How to get picked for jury duty UK depends on meeting the qualifications and not being disqualified or excused.
Vocabulary: Discretionary excusal refers to the ability of judges to excuse potential jurors for valid reasons.
The Criminal Justice Act 2003 provides guidelines for excusal from jury service. Certain professions, such as lawyers, judges, and police officers, may be excused to maintain the integrity of the judicial process.
Example: In Hanif v UK , it was determined that a police officer could not serve as a juror due to potential bias.
Reasons for discretionary excusal include:
- Lack of capacity
- Disability that prevents effective service
- Significant hardship or inconvenience
Jury vetting is a process to ensure the suitability of potential jurors:
- Police checks to verify eligibility
- Wider background checks in cases involving national security or terrorism
Highlight: The goal of jury selection is to create a diverse panel representing a cross-section of society.
Can you be called for jury service twice UK? Yes, but there are restrictions on how often you can be called. How often can you be called for jury service UK depends on various factors, including the need for jurors in your area.
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 Deliberations and Verdicts
The role of the jury in criminal cases is to decide on the guilt or innocence of the defendant based on the evidence presented. Differences between magistrates and juries include the number of decision-makers and the types of cases they handle.
Definition: Jury equity refers to the power of juries to acquit a defendant even if the evidence suggests guilt, based on their sense of justice or conscience.
Key aspects of jury deliberations and verdicts include:
- Directed acquittal: A judge may direct the jury to acquit if there is insufficient evidence.
- Majority verdicts: At least 10 out of 12 jurors must agree for a valid verdict.
- Unanimous verdicts: All 12 jurors agree on the decision.
- Secrecy: Jury deliberations must remain confidential.
Example: In R v Mirza , the importance of jury secrecy was upheld by the courts.
Advantages of lay magistrates and juries in the legal system include:
- Public confidence in the justice system
- Impartiality and independence
- Representation of community values
Disadvantages of lay magistrates and juries may include:
- Potential for bias
- Lack of legal understanding in complex cases
- Risk of jury tampering or intimidation
Quote: "The jury may be biased by the media." - This highlights the potential influence of external factors on jury decisions.
Alternatives to Jury Trials and Conclusion
In some cases, alternatives to traditional jury trials may be considered. Where did trial by jury come from and Is the jury system effective are questions that continue to be debated in legal circles.
Alternatives to jury trials include:
- Trial by a single judge
- A panel of judges
- A judge with lay assessors
- Mini-juries
Example: In R v Twomey & Others , a judge-only trial was ordered due to concerns about jury tampering.
Advantages and disadvantages of the jury system Essay topics often explore the balance between public participation and expertise in the legal system.
Highlight: High acquittal rates in jury trials have led to discussions about the effectiveness of the system in certain types of cases, such as complex fraud trials.
In conclusion, the use of lay people in magistrates' court and juries in criminal cases remains a fundamental aspect of the UK legal system. While there are challenges and potential drawbacks, the involvement of lay people in the justice process continues to be valued for its contribution to public confidence and the representation of community standards in legal decision-making.
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
History and Role of Juries in Criminal Cases
The use of juries in criminal cases has a long history in the UK legal system. Lay people in magistrates' court and Crown Court play a crucial role in determining the outcome of criminal trials.
Highlight: Juries are considered "deciders of fact" in criminal cases, responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the accused based on the evidence presented.
The independence of juries is a fundamental principle, as established in the case of Bushell . This case affirmed that juries must be free to make their own decisions without interference.
Example: In R v McKenna , the importance of jury independence in criminal cases was further reinforced.
Who are Lay magistrates and jurors? The Juries Act 1974 outlines the qualifications for jury service:
- Age: 18-75 years old
- Listed on the electoral register
- Resident in the UK for at least 5 years
Definition: A jury in a criminal trial consists of 12 members who serve as "arbiters of fact," drawing conclusions based on the evidence presented in court.
Certain individuals are disqualified from jury service, including:
- Prisoners serving life sentences or more than 5 years
- Mentally disordered persons certified as suffering from mental health issues
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.
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