Jury. Unanimous verdicts

[MattSantos]

I don't understand.

 

How can a judge tell a jury that they have to deliver a 100% unanimous verdict?

 

If just 1 person thinks something different to the 11, then that's what they believe... and it should be reflected that way? Otherwise, surely the 11 are then pursuading the 1, based on their interpretation, thus what's the point of a trial?

 

My understanding is that a majority verdict of 10-2 is suffice - if so, then why push for a unanimous verdict? It doesn't quite sit right for some reason.

 

Poses some questions; should a jury be able to i) ask the barristers questions and ii) vote anonymously?

 

 

 

 

[ckn]

A judge will always start with asking for unanimous as that gives a stronger message.  If after a day or two of jury deliberations without decision, the judge will usually allow split decisions down to 10-2.

[Bearman]

I did jury service in November and in all the cases we deliberated on we were instructed by the Judge to try and obtain a unanimous decision. We were advised however that if that wasn't possible we should go back to the Judge for further guidance.

The whole process was interesting but there wss an awful lot of sitting around.

[Bostik Bailey]

You have to direct all questions to the judge and they will give guidance on it ( in otherworlds answer it). If you feel somthing is missing or someone was unclear, tough, you can only decide on evidence given to you in court, and you must us you judgement to decide the verdict.

It's not perfect but it is the best system there is

[shrek]

I did jury service I found it scary and fascinating in equal measures, with lots and lots of sitting around inbetween.

 

Very frustrating not being able to ask questions, but even if you limited it to one a juror then it would drag the process out for an age.

 

Without going into detail the case I heard was 10-2 on first vote, that quickly became 11-1 with most looking to the one to change his mind, personally I was keen to hear him out and encourage him to stick to his guns if thats what he felt, he held out for about 30 minutes much to some fellow jurors disgust.