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17/02/2010
Juries 'Confused' In Court
More than two-thirds of jurors sitting in England and Wales have difficulty understanding legal terminology used in court, a report revealed today.
Research from the Justice Department found that only 31% of those questioned could comprehend the legal explanations and directions given by judges.
Some jurors had resorted to researching cases online, the two-year study found, raising concerns about prejudice.
In the report, sensitive issues about jury decision-making have been tackled for the first time.
It revealed that all-white juries do not discriminate against defendants from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.
According to research, juries almost always reach a verdict and convict two-thirds of the time, and there are no courts where juries acquit more often than convict.
It also showed that jurors want more information about how to do their job. Many said written instructions would improve jurors’ legal understanding of cases.
As well as some jurors admitting to using the internet to look for information about their case, many said they find media reports involving their case difficult to ignore.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said the jury system is working, and working well.
"The study’s findings on the fairness of jury decisions, including for people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, will help to maintain public confidence in juries and the jury system.
"But we cannot allow complacency about the justice system. We will carefully consider the recommendations for helping jurors do their job to the best of their ability."
(PR/GK)
Research from the Justice Department found that only 31% of those questioned could comprehend the legal explanations and directions given by judges.
Some jurors had resorted to researching cases online, the two-year study found, raising concerns about prejudice.
In the report, sensitive issues about jury decision-making have been tackled for the first time.
It revealed that all-white juries do not discriminate against defendants from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.
According to research, juries almost always reach a verdict and convict two-thirds of the time, and there are no courts where juries acquit more often than convict.
It also showed that jurors want more information about how to do their job. Many said written instructions would improve jurors’ legal understanding of cases.
As well as some jurors admitting to using the internet to look for information about their case, many said they find media reports involving their case difficult to ignore.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said the jury system is working, and working well.
"The study’s findings on the fairness of jury decisions, including for people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, will help to maintain public confidence in juries and the jury system.
"But we cannot allow complacency about the justice system. We will carefully consider the recommendations for helping jurors do their job to the best of their ability."
(PR/GK)
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09 March 2010
Bilingual Juries 'Cannot Outweigh' Justice
Selecting juries randomly from the community outweighs the benefits of selecting exclusively bilingual juries for some trials in Wales, the Government has said. The decision announced today, follows a consultation on whether to select juries for certain criminal trials in Wales, all of whose members would be bilingual in Welsh and English.
Bilingual Juries 'Cannot Outweigh' Justice
Selecting juries randomly from the community outweighs the benefits of selecting exclusively bilingual juries for some trials in Wales, the Government has said. The decision announced today, follows a consultation on whether to select juries for certain criminal trials in Wales, all of whose members would be bilingual in Welsh and English.
27 January 2004
Law Lords' ruling could open up juries to public scrutiny
A landmark ruling in the House of Lords could pave the way for the secret world of juries to be opened up for public debate, the government has announced. Following a ruling by the Law Lords, the "exceptional circumstances" in which a court can investigate the nature of jury deliberations is now open to question.
Law Lords' ruling could open up juries to public scrutiny
A landmark ruling in the House of Lords could pave the way for the secret world of juries to be opened up for public debate, the government has announced. Following a ruling by the Law Lords, the "exceptional circumstances" in which a court can investigate the nature of jury deliberations is now open to question.
21 June 2005
Juries to be axed from fraud trials
Juries could be removed from complex fraud trials, under new proposals advanced by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith. The proposals, part of the 2003 Criminal Justice Act, would allow judges to make the sole decision in intricate fraud cases. Prosecutors would be able to apply to a Crown Court judge to allow the case to be heard without a jury.
Juries to be axed from fraud trials
Juries could be removed from complex fraud trials, under new proposals advanced by the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith. The proposals, part of the 2003 Criminal Justice Act, would allow judges to make the sole decision in intricate fraud cases. Prosecutors would be able to apply to a Crown Court judge to allow the case to be heard without a jury.
10 January 2011
Jury Duty Opened To Senior Citizens
People over the age of 65 will be eligible to take part in jury service from tomorrow as key changes to modernise Scots law come into force. Since 1980, an upper age limit for jury duty has been imposed in Scotland which has prohibited those over the age of 65 from serving.
Jury Duty Opened To Senior Citizens
People over the age of 65 will be eligible to take part in jury service from tomorrow as key changes to modernise Scots law come into force. Since 1980, an upper age limit for jury duty has been imposed in Scotland which has prohibited those over the age of 65 from serving.
30 March 2010
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy morning, with a little patchy light rain or drizzle to start. Skies clearing and becoming dry and increasingly sunny in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry with prolonged clear spells through the evening and overnight. This will allow for some fog patches to develop in places overnight. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
