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Questions and Answers
What was the consequence for the jury in R v McKenna if they did not return a verdict within ten minutes?
What was the consequence for the jury in R v McKenna if they did not return a verdict within ten minutes?
What percentage of criminal trials are conducted by jury in the Crown Court?
What percentage of criminal trials are conducted by jury in the Crown Court?
How many members are there in a Crown Court jury?
How many members are there in a Crown Court jury?
Which historical document recognized the right to trial by jury?
Which historical document recognized the right to trial by jury?
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What is the main function of juries in criminal courts today?
What is the main function of juries in criminal courts today?
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What percentage of cases are generally dealt with in the Magistrates' Court?
What percentage of cases are generally dealt with in the Magistrates' Court?
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Since when have juries been used in the legal system?
Since when have juries been used in the legal system?
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What is a common result when defendants plead guilty in cases that go to the Crown Court?
What is a common result when defendants plead guilty in cases that go to the Crown Court?
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What role did juries primarily serve before the fifteenth century?
What role did juries primarily serve before the fifteenth century?
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What is the minimum age requirement to qualify for jury service?
What is the minimum age requirement to qualify for jury service?
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Which important legal case established the independence of the jury?
Which important legal case established the independence of the jury?
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Which of the following is NOT a qualification for jury service?
Which of the following is NOT a qualification for jury service?
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Which change did the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 make regarding jury age?
Which change did the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 make regarding jury age?
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What consequence did the jurors face in Bushell's Case for their not guilty verdict?
What consequence did the jurors face in Bushell's Case for their not guilty verdict?
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Who is permanently disqualified from jury service?
Who is permanently disqualified from jury service?
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What does the Jury Act 1974 set out?
What does the Jury Act 1974 set out?
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Study Notes
Juries
- Juries have been used in legal systems for over 1000 years, even before the Norman Conquest.
- In 1215, the Magna Carta recognized a person's right to trial by their peers.
- Originally, juries provided local knowledge and information, acting more as witnesses than decision-makers.
- By the 15th century, juries became independent fact-finders.
- The independence of juries was further established in Bushell's Case (1670), where jurors were protected from punishment for their verdicts.
- In R v McKenna (1960), a judge's interference with jury deliberation was deemed improper.
Juries in Criminal Courts
- Juries decide guilt or innocence in Crown Court cases.
- Jury trials make up a small percentage of criminal cases (approximately 2%).
- Most cases are heard in Magistrates' Court.
- Crown Court juries consist of 12 members.
- Defendants often plead guilty, reducing jury trial need.
Basic Qualifications for Juries
- Qualifications are specified in the Juries Act 1974 (and amendments).
- Jurors must be between 18 and 75 years old.
- Jurors must be registered electors.
- Jurors must have lived in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man for at least five years since their 13th birthday.
Disqualification from Jury Service
- Imprisonment for life, detention for life, or life custody disqualifies individuals permanently.
- Detention at the pleasure of Her Majesty or the Secretary of State can disqualify.
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Description
Explore the historical evolution and role of juries in legal systems through this quiz. From the Magna Carta to modern criminal trials, learn about the significant milestones that shaped jury independence and functions in courts. Test your knowledge on the qualifications required for jurors and their impact on justice.
