When a jury is convened for a trial in the Crown Court within England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, which of the following best describes the legal requirement for how they must reach their verdict?
- The jury should initially try to reach a unanimous decision, but the judge may accept a majority verdict if a full agreement cannot be reached.Answer
- BThe jury must reach a unanimous verdict, otherwise the case is transferred to the County Court for a civil determination of the facts.
- CThe jury must consist of legally qualified solicitors who are required to reach a decision by a two-thirds majority by law.
- DThe jury's decision is only a recommendation to the local police service, which holds the final authority to decide on the defendant's guilt.
Answer
The jury should initially try to reach a unanimous decision, but the judge may accept a majority verdict if a full agreement cannot be reached.
In the Crown Court, a jury (composed of 12 members of the public) is responsible for the verdict. The law states that they must first try to reach a unanimous decision, where every juror agrees. If they are unable to reach a unanimous verdict after a reasonable period of deliberation, the judge has the power to accept a majority verdict to conclude the trial.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Jury Verdict Procedures
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