Who Makes Up the British Jury System?
The Jury System in the United Kingdom
The jury system in the United Kingdom has a long-standing history and plays a significant role in the country's criminal justice system. Juries are responsible for determining whether a defendant is guilty or not guilty based on the evidence presented. But who exactly makes up these juries, and what are their responsibilities?How Are Juries Selected?
Potential jurors are chosen at random from the electoral register and summonsed to attend court for jury service. In England and Wales, jurors must be between 18 and 75 years old, and they must have been residents of the UK for at least five years since their thirteenth birthday. Those who have been convicted of certain crimes or who have served time in prison are ineligible to serve on a jury. When they arrive at the courthouse, prospective jurors undergo a selection process that includes answering questions about their eligibility and completing a questionnaire. They may also be interviewed by the trial judge, defense counsel, and prosecution counsel to ensure they are impartial and will make a fair judgment.The Role of the Jury
Once selected, jurors are sworn in and hear the evidence presented by the prosecution and defense. The jury then retires to a private room to deliberate, and they must reach a unanimous decision in criminal cases. In civil cases, a majority decision is acceptable. Jurors are instructed to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in court and to disregard any external information or personal biases. They are not allowed to discuss the case with anyone outside the jury, including the media. Breaking this rule can result in being held in contempt of court. In conclusion, the British jury system is an essential part of the criminal justice system and is made up of randomly selected people from the electoral register who go through a selection process to ensure they are impartial and fair. The jury's role is to make a decision based solely on the evidence presented in court and to disregard any personal biases or external information.