New South Wales Jury System Overview

Study Notes

A jury in New South Wales consists of community members brought together to decide the guilt or innocence of an accused person.
The Supreme Court handles the most serious crimes, all other trials with a jury take place at the district court.
Eligible citizens receive a jury summons selected randomly by computer to protect privacy.
Jurors are given a juror call number card for identification and anonymity.
Jurors are entitled to a travel allowance, lunch during service, and attendance allowance.
The Crown Prosecutor provides information about the case, including a list of witnesses, for prospective jurors to make excusal requests.
Jurors in a trial are expected to be impartial and may ask to be excused if they know anyone involved or cannot act impartially.
One juror in the text seeks to be excused due to work obligations, but is not excused.
Jurors have an important civic duty and the trial judge considers reasonable requests for excusal.
The text also mentions the accused, John Bates, who is charged with armed robbery and has pleaded not guilty.
Several witnesses are mentioned, including Fred McDermott, James Robinson, Daniel Coudair, Cameron Haley, and Shirley Jones, who will be called by the Crown in the trial.- The person speaking is a judge in a courtroom.
It's important for prospective jurors to clarify any concerns they have about serving before the trial begins.
Jurors should not wait to be selected before raising concerns, as it may result in the entire jury being discharged and the trial being delayed.
Jurors are sworn in once selected and must decide whether the prosecution has proved their case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge directs the jury on the relevant law and ensures fairness by allowing the defense and prosecution to challenge jurors without giving reasons.
The jury must approach the evidence in an impartial way and keep an open mind until all evidence is presented and arguments are made.
The New South Wales sheriff's officer ensures safety in the courtroom and assists jurors on arrival.
The jury selects a representative or foreperson to deliver the verdict at the end of the trial.
The judge gives opening remarks and asks the Crown prosecutor to give an outline of the case before the evidence is presented.
Jurors are supposed to start with no opinion and listen carefully to all witnesses and evidence.
The jury system ensures that the community plays a role in the administration of justice.
Jurors must sift through all evidence before deciding on a verdict.
The community benefits from the diversity of backgrounds and opinions in the legal system.
The judge thanks the jurors for their service.