Juries

INTRODUCTION

Juries are used to help deal with criminal proceedings in the Crown Court. They consist of 12 adults who decide on the facts of a criminal case and on the guilt or innocence of someone who has been charged with a criminal offence.

SELECTION OF JURIES

Juries are chosen at random from the local Electoral Register. They must be between 18 and 70 and have lived in the United Kingdom for the previous 5 years from the age of 13. There are certain categories of people who cannot be selected. These include Lawyers, Police Officers, Ministers of Religion, anybody on probation in the previous 5 years or anyone sent to prison, detention centre or community service within the previous 10 years.

BEING EXCUSED

Normally it is compulsory to serve on a jury. However if there are exceptional reasons why someone cannot serve, then they can in certain circumstances be excused. Reasons for being excused include major work commitments, holiday commitments, care of a relative, exams, or various other exceptional circumstances.

WHAT HAPPENS IN PRACTICE

If someone is called for jury service they will be given about six weeks notice. They are given information in advance about what they are expected to do. When they get to court further information is given and they are often shown a video about trial procedure before the case begins. They have the opportunity to ask the court staff any questions about any issues or concerns they may have.

THE JUDGES ROLE

The judge has overall responsibility for the court and makes sure that the evidence is properly presented and that the trial is fair. The judge will also direct and assist the jury on certain matters of law and procedure. The jury however needs to make the final decision and decide on the actual verdict.

SENTENCING

If a person has been found guilty by a jury of a particular criminal offence, then it is the judge who decides on the sentence that the person will receive. In doing this the judge will take into account the circumstances surrounding the case, any previous convictions, and any other relevant matters.