THE JURY IN BRITAIN

criminal offence; acquitted; challenge; civil cases; convicted; disqualified; liable for; ownership of property; randomly; right of appeal; evidence; judiciary; unanimous; undertake

Trial by jury is an ancient and important feature of English Justice. Although it has declined in _____ _____ (except for libel and fraud), it is the main element in criminal trials in the crown court. Jury membership was once linked to the _____ _____, which resulted in male and middle-class dominance. But now most categories of British residents are obliged to _____ jury service when summoned.

Before the start of criminal trial in the crown court, 12 jurors are chosen from a list of some 30 names _____ selected from local electoral registers. They listen to the _____ at the trial and give their verdict on the facts, having been isolated in a separate room for their deliberations. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the _____ may be ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’, the latter resulting in acquittal. Until 1967 the verdict had to be _____. But now the judge will accept a majority verdict after the jury has deliberated for more than two hours provided that, in the normal jury of 12 people, there no more than two dissenters.

In Scotland the jury’s verdict may be ‘guilty’, ‘not guilty’ or ‘not proven’; the accused is _____ if either of the last two verdicts is given. As a general rule no one may be _____ without corroborated evidence from at least two sources.

If the jury acquits the defendant, the prosecution has no _____ and the defendant cannot be tried again for the same offence.

A jury is independent of the _____. Any attempt to interfere with a jury is a _____ _____. Potential jurors are put on a panel before the start of the trial. In England and Wales the prosecution and the defence may _____ individual jurors on the panel, giving reasons for doing so. In Scotland the prosecution of defence may challenge up to three jurors without reason. In Northern Ireland each defendant has the right to challenge up to 12 potential jurors without given a reason.

People between the ages of 18 and 70 (65 in Scotland) whose names appear on the electoral register, with certain exceptions, are _____ _____ jury service and their names are chosen at random. Ineligible people include, for example, judges and people who have within the previous ten years been members of the legal profession or the police, prison or probation services. People convicted of certain offences within the previous ten years cannot serve on a jury. Anyone who has received a prison sentence of five years or more is _____ for life.

Just for Fun Jury is a group of twelve men who, having lied to the judge about their hearing, health, and business engagements, have failed to fool him. Henry Lewis Mencken

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14