Originating within the Anglo-Saxon legal tradition, the jury (a group of citizens who examine evidence and vote on the verdict in a legal case) is often associated with democracies, particularly those with strong historical British influences. However, in recent years, it has seen a growing adoption in other nations, even those without an established history of using juries, as governments reform their legal codes and model them along English and American lines.
The exact implementation of jury systems (composition, size, etc.) varies by nation, but members are typically selected by random lottery from among the general public (as opposed to lay judges, who are appointed or elected to the position), and serving is usually mandatory if you're selected. In addition, in most (but not all) jury systems, the jury only acts as trier of facts ‒ only the judge can interpret the law, and the members of the jury must put aside their own opinions and strictly apply the given facts. However, it may be possible for the jury to veto a law it disagrees with and refuse to convict (jury nullification), despite solid proof of guilt. Depending on legislation, either an unanimous or majority vote (usually the former) is required to reach a guilty verdict. In some systems, the jury is also responsible for deciding a sentence upon conviction, but in others, that's a task reserved for the judge.
The main claimed benefits of a jury system are democratic justice and civic involvement ‒ citizens are judged by a body of their own peers rather than unaccountable government bureaucrats, and every individual plays a direct role in the system's functioning. However, for such a system to work successfully, a high degree of literacy and social equality is a must. In addition, corruption can be an issue, with rich individuals paying or bribing their way out of jury service, not to mention jury tampering and intimidation by criminal associates. That's why most states using a jury system tend to be wealthy, stable and developed societies.
Instructions
Copy the text from the code box and fill in your answers. You are encouraged (and expected) to go beyond a simple "yes" or "no", and give a specific explanation if possible. Please do not change the wording or formatting of the questions, as anybody who uses the latest post as a template will get the changed version instead of the original.
YN = "your nation"
- Code: Select all
[b][u]I. Nation and legal system overview[/u][/b]
[b]Full nation name:[/b]
[b]Type of government (monarchy, republic, dictatorship, etc.):[/b]
[b]Federal or unitary state?[/b]
[b]YN's main legal system (Common Law, Civil Law, indigenous/traditional, etc.):[/b]
[b]Does YN have a constitution?[/b]
[b]If so, is the right to have jury trials guaranteed by the constitution?[/b]
[b][u]II. Prevalence of jury trials[/u][/b]
[b]Does YN have jury trials? If not, did it ever have them in the past?[/b]
[b]Are jury trials used in criminal cases? If so, which types of crimes?[/b]
[b]Are jury trials used in civil cases? If so, which types of matters? (Family, employment, etc.)[/b]
[b]When was the first jury trial in YN? (Year or decade)[/b]
[b]When was the last jury trial in YN? (Year or decade)[/b]
[b]In the past year, how many criminal cases had jury trials? (Number or percentage)[/b]
[b]In the past year, how many civil cases had jury trials? (Number or percentage)[/b]
[b][u]III. Jury system, selection and service[/u][/b]
[b]How are juries in YN selected? Is the selection random or pre-determined?[/b]
[b]Can all citizens serve in a jury, or only those who meet certain requirements? (Age, gender, class, etc.)[/b]
[b]Are any individuals or groups excluded from jury service? If so, which ones?[/b]
[b]Is jury service mandatory? If so, what are the consequences of refusal?[/b]
[b]Are there valid reasons one can be excused from jury service?[/b]
[b]How many jury members are required in a criminal trial?[/b]
[b]How many jury members are required in a civil trial?[/b]
[b]Is consensus required to reach a verdict, or just a majority vote?[/b]
[b]Can the jury nullify (vote not guilty despite evidence) a case it does not agree with?[/b]
[b]Is the jury responsible for determining the sentence of a guilty criminal?[/b]
[b]If so, can the judge override that sentence with a different one?[/b]
[b]Is the identity of jury members public or private?[/b]
[b]Is the jury deliberation process public or private?[/b]
[b]Is the jury kept isolated for the duration of the trial?[/b]
[b]Can the jury do its own research about a case, beyond what it hears in court?[/b]
[b]Can the jury share details about the case with others (friends, family, media, etc.) during the trial?[/b]
[b]Can the jury share details about the case with others (friends, family, media, etc.) after the trial?[/b]
[b]Do jury members get paid or compensated for their service?[/b]
[b]Can employers fire employees for being absent because they were on jury service?[/b]
[b]Are employers required to provide paid leave for employees on jury service?[/b]
[b][u]IV. Public perceptions of the jury[/u][/b]
[b](Nations with jury trials)[/b]
[b]What does YN's government think of the jury system? Are most political parties/officials in favor or against?[/b]
[b]What do YN's citizens think of the jury system? Are most people in favor or against?[/b]
[b]What do YN's citizens think of serving in a jury? Do they view it as an annoyance or an honorable privilege?[/b]
[b]What do YN's citizens think of those who try to avoid jury service?[/b]
[b]Have there been any major movements to abolish the jury system? Why or why not?[/b]
[b](Nations without jury trials)[/b]
[b]What does YN's government think of nations that have a jury system?[/b]
[b]What do YN's citizens think of nations that have a jury system?[/b]
[b]Have there been any major movements to adopt/restore the jury system? Why or why not?[/b]
[b][u]V. Miscellaneous[/u][/b]
[b]Anything else you would like to share, that was not covered above? (Optional)[/b]
