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Critically Evaluate Whether The Use Of Jurors Is Outdated

1363 Words6 Pages

Forensic psychology in courtroom assignment: Critically evaluate whether the use of jurors is outdated. Discuss whether the UK criminal justice system should use judge-only trials. Common law is the body of law formed through judicial decisions rather than constitutions or statutes. It was first created in England’s legal system and then became international. In the common law system, courts are empowered to interpret the law and decision-making based on previous court rulings; this is known as legal precedents. Jurors have long been argued as outdated by many in contemporary society, however still commonly used in court, specifically in the UK CJS. Jurors are considered a primary aspect of the legal system, representing tradition and civic …show more content…

Within the legal system, a judge plays a significant role when in a courtroom. It is imperative to consider that when discussing trials and the courtroom. Another argument supporting the statement is that jurors can be influenced by the media. The media often provides coverage of cases, they shape how society perceives criminals/trials. This may influence the decision-making of the trial, leading the juror to make a decision based on emotion rather than rationally. Therefore, it becomes apparent that judge trials are a greater option. Within UK law, the principle of judicial impartiality is seen as important, demanding that judges maintain a state of isolation from external forces, notably the media, to preserve the integrity of the legal proceedings. If a judge is in contact with the media/ press before the trial they could get suspended, though judges in comparison to jurors are more likely to adhere to these requirements as they are law-abiding citizens who work in this sector. Thus, the implementation of a judging system ensures a fair and equal trial in addition to an overall well-informed decision; along this, a judge-only trial is a …show more content…

Alongside this, they are highly experienced. Therefore, this represents a pivotal element which can positively support the view that the juror system is outdated and that a judge system is a superior option. The argument about prejudiced behaviour in the courts has raised a discussion on the effectiveness and efficacy of the jury system in a trial. Critics contend that jury trials are especially vulnerable to prejudices arising from societal biases. Subsequently, the argument that the juror system is outdated and should no longer be in use is supported by this view. Some jurors may be racist, prejudiced, or discriminatory toward the defendant, influencing their decision-making and the overall outcome of the defendant’s sentence. Fundamentally, a trial must consist of only fair and equal behaviour and if not this, may influence the whole trial process; this also undermines the integrity of the legal system. The Ministry of Justice in the UK conducted

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