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Don’t hang the jury

15 Dec 05:50am

Filed under: Crime, Jury, Law, Society

In a perfect world, justice would be swift. Right and wrong would be black and white. Good people would feel protected by the law and bad people would go to jail. In reality, crimes like murder and rape are as complicated as they are common. Sound verdicts take time.

A human experience of the law

So a Sydney judge’s suggestion to do away with juries in these cases, in the interests of efficiency, presents serious risk to the way we understand and trust the law.

Speed in these decisions risks poor judgement. Worse, it can destroy people’s lives.

Continue reading "Don’t hang the jury" »

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Emma E says:

06:09pm | 30/12/11

“Screw the judges, just make sure you get some competent, educated and willing jurors.” Could you please provide some ideas as to how courts can sift through potential jurors? If you think we should “screw the judges” who all have at least one tertiary qualification, continuous training and extensive experience… Read more »
Emma E says:

05:32pm | 30/12/11

@Al “So either the Judges are not doing their job or the judges are unable to understand the complexities themselves.” Judges are able to make directions to the jury throughout the examination of witnesses, especially regarding objections and the need to disregard information if an objection is sustained. They may… Read more »

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