Juries
what is a jury?
An impartial body of people called into the court to help decide the verdict of the accused.
Why is law important?
As it keeps order in society.
How many members of a jury are there and how many members have to come to the same verdict?
12 members but only 11 have to agree on the verdict.
Do higher courts have to follow lower courts precedents?
NO!
Where were juries established
England
What happens if the court didn't accept the defendant's sworn oath as truthful? What is the term for it?
Trial by ordeal.
How much do jurors get paid and why?
They can get paid anywhere from $40-$100, as this covers their time off work and travels. In longer cases you can get paid more for inconvenience and your work can also pay you.
What is the standard of proof in a criminal case?
Beyond reasonable doubt.
Name 2 ways you can be exempt from jury duty.
• if you are self-employed or run a small business that would be affected by your absence
• if you are a student or apprentice
• if you have a health issue or live with a disability that would make jury service difficult
• if you aren’t living in the state where you have been summoned to attend court, or if you have transport difficulties (e.g. you live very far from the court)
• some professions may exempt you from serving on a jury; this usually covers criminal lawyers, police officers and other people who work in the criminal justice system, but each jurisdiction is different.
When were the Courts of Common Law and Equity merged?