Courts of Justice in England During the Pandemic

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Questions and Answers

What is the significance of Lady Justice not wearing a blindfold?

Her maidenly form is said to guarantee her impartiality.

Which courts resumed jury trials on May 18th?

High Court

Old Bailey (correct)

The Supreme Court

All criminal courts

The Supreme Court held jury trials in person during the pandemic.

False

What is the role of a plaintiff in a lawsuit?

The plaintiff is the party who files a complaint or initiates a lawsuit. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'pro se' mean?

To go to court without a lawyer. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about jurors is true?

Jurors wear masks in courtrooms. Signup and view all the answers

The legal party being accused is known as the ______.

defendant Signup and view all the answers

Match the following legal terms with their definitions:

Plaintiff = Files a complaint in a lawsuit Defendant = Is accused in a lawsuit Lawsuit = A claim filed in court Due Process = Entitled rights in legal proceedings Signup and view all the answers

What does Lady Justice symbolize when she removes her blindfold?

Corruption Signup and view all the answers

Justice in America is considered affordable for all citizens.

False Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do pro se defendants face in felony cases?

The system is not built for them to represent themselves. Signup and view all the answers

In legal terms, 'pro se' means ______.

for oneself Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms to their descriptions:

Lady Justice = Symbol of fairness and law Pro se = Representing oneself in court Felony = Serious crime Subpoena = Legal order to testify Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of being wealthy in the legal system?

Better access to quality attorneys Signup and view all the answers

Defendants who go pro se always find it easier to navigate the legal system.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does holding a pair of scales represent for Lady Justice?

Balance and fairness in justice. Signup and view all the answers

During the Capitol riot trials, several defendants planned to represent themselves, known as going ______.

pro se Signup and view all the answers

How does the lack of money affect access to legal resources in America?

It restricts access to legal evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Courts of Justice in England during the pandemic

The Old Bailey's Lady Justice statue does not wear a blindfold, symbolizing impartiality.
All jurors wear masks in the courtroom, due to the pandemic.
Many hearings in England and Wales have moved from courtrooms to homes.
The Supreme Court conducts hearings remotely.
Lawyers now use telephone and video hearings.
The Duchess of Sussex's privacy claim against the Mail on Sunday was heard remotely in April 2021.
Jury trials were postponed due to concerns about using Microsoft Teams.
Some courts, including the Old Bailey, resumed jury trials on May 18th.
The court service aims to reopen most criminal courts by July.

Legal Terminology and Concepts

Plaintiff: The party who files a complaint or lawsuit, initiating legal action.
Defendant: The party who is accused or being sued.
Due process: The legal rights afforded to both plaintiffs and defendants, including representation by a lawyer.
Pro se: Appearing in court without a lawyer.
Small-claims court: A court for disputes involving small sums of money.

Legal Processes and Actions

Proceed: To continue with legal proceedings.
Procedural: Relating to the steps involved in a legal case.
File: To submit a lawsuit.
Sue: To file a lawsuit against someone.
Injury: Physical or emotional harm resulting from an incident.
Injured party: The person who suffered an injury.
Damages: Compensation sought for an injury.
Settle: To reach an agreement to resolve a legal dispute.
Settlement: The agreement reached to resolve a legal dispute.

Lady Justice & Money

Lady Justice is depicted as corrupt, taking off her blindfold to look at money, suggesting that justice is no longer objective or impartial.
The scales of justice are held precariously, about to fall, symbolizing an imbalance.
In the U.S., justice is expensive for the average citizen; those who lack financial resources often have difficulty accessing legal representation, including subpoenaing witnesses and adding evidence.
Wealthier individuals have access to better legal representation, raising concerns about equity and fairness in the justice system.

Pro Se Defendants

Over 100 people charged in the January 6th riot at the U.S. Capitol have pleaded guilty.
Some defendants plan to represent themselves in court (pro se), which translates to "for oneself" in Latin.
Prosecutions often become more complex and challenging when defendants choose to represent themselves, as they may lack the legal expertise and courtroom experience to adequately defend themselves.
Prosecutors generally dislike pro se defendants, even though they may seem less experienced in legal matters, as it complicates the legal process.
Pro se cases can often create spectacles due to the lack of legal expertise and courtroom experience on the part of the defendants.
The legal system is not designed for people to represent themselves in felony cases.
At least five defendants in the Capitol riot case have chosen to go pro se.

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Description

Explore the adaptations and changes in the English legal system due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This quiz covers the shifts to remote hearings, the impact on juries, and significant cases like the Duchess of Sussex's privacy claim. Test your knowledge on the implications for courtroom procedures and legal terminology during these unprecedented times.