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20.08.13
Age of jurors raised to seventy-five
On 20 August 2013, Damian Green, Criminal Justice Minister, announced plans to increase the age that people can sit on juries from 70 to 75. The change would mean that people up to the age of 75 that are summoned would be expected to serve on a jury. However, under the Juries Act 1974, they…
Read more24.07.13
High Court hears internet contempt trials
The Attorney-General has appeared in person before the High Court to ask that two men be committed to jail for “acts likely to interfere with the administration of justice”. In both instances the acts arise from the use of the internet whilst jurors in criminal trial. In an indication of how seriously the courts are treating the issue of internet use…
Read more21.05.13
Report shows jurors want greater guidance
A report conducted by the University College London law faculty has identified that 82% of jurors would like more information on conducting deliberations, especially where they require clarification on a legal issue. In preparing the report questions were asked of 239 jurors immediately after they had returned verdicts. There was a misunderstanding amongst nearly a…
Read more24.01.12
Juror found in contempt for sharing findings of internet research
In Attorney-General -v- Theodora Dallas (2012) the Divisional Court heard that a jury member (Dallas) had conducted independent internet research in relation to a criminal trial she was sitting on. she had then discussed her findings with her fellow jury members. At the start of the case the jury had been shown a video about their responsibilities and told not to conduct…
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