Weakness in the Jury System

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WEAKNESSES IN JURY SYSTEMzl

There are several weaknesses in the jury system. There are problems with the selection of jury. Firstly, electoral registers tend to be inaccurate. They underreport the number of ethnic minorities and young people. This excludes them from being selected. Also, random selection does not equate to equal representation. Although there are efforts made to ensure that it was as random as possible, all white, all male, all women juries are possible. This does not guarantee that jury come from all walks of society. z

Judge may also discretionary excuse some of the jury if they have booked holidays, childcare problems, business meetings. However it is a civic duty and complete excusal is rare. Defence and Prosecution have the right to challenge anyone that they deem unsuitable.

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For example in the case of R v Smith, a blank defendant requested for a multiracial jury. This was rejected as jury have no right to interfere with the selection process. This is also the case In Rv Ford.

On the other hand there are several weaknesses. There are problems in the selection process. Firstly, the electoral registors may be in accurate. It may under report the ethnic minorities and young people- hence excluding them to be selected. Next, random selection does not equal to equal representation. For example, all white, all men and all women juries are possible. This ...

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