Are juries effective and fair?

The aim of a jury is to provide a ‘cross-section’ of the public to determine the guilt or innocence of people charged with serious criminal offences. The jury is meant to be the finder of fact, while the judge interprets the relevant criminal law and instructs the jury accordingly. The jury then renders a verdict on the defendant’s guilt or innocence and then the court sentences them.

A recent in-depth study by Cheryl Thomas, Professor at the Centre for Empirical Legal Studies at University College London has published its findings about the fairness, effectiveness and efficiency of juries. The study had both positive and negative results.
Positive findings included that all-white juries do not discriminate against defendants from black and minority ethnic backgrounds. The conclusion was that race had no impact on verdicts.

It also found that juries almost always reach a verdict and convict two-thirds of the time. The conviction rate varies depending on the type of crime and its seriousness. The following conviction rates are interesting: 55% for rape cases; 89% for making indecent photographs of a child; 85% for death by dangerous driving; 84% for drug possession with intent to supply; and 47% for attempted murder.

Some concerning findings from the study were that two in three jurors did not fully understand the legal directions given by judges as they retired to consider their verdicts.

Additionally, a further one in ten jurors carried out their own investigations online, which is not allowed and not only has potential to seriously interfere with the administration of justice, but can also cause huge delays and waste of taxpayer funds when new trials have to be ordered for improper juror investigations.

All-in-all, however, the findings were positive and it was concluded that the jury system is fair, effective and efficient. The findings can be used to further improve the system to ensure the achievement of justice.

For further legal advice on juries and their role, you can contact a criminal law solicitor for legal advice. They can answer your queries and help you with your criminal law issue.

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