Jury Questions

Saw a docu last night of the trial of a girl on a murder charge in America.
The interesting thing there was, the jury gave a list of questions to the judge requiring the girl to answer them.
Thought this a good idea - only 3 states in America do this.
What do you think ......

Re: Jury Questions

Jurors in UK are allowed to send questions to the Judge. It is certainly a good idea and helps to make a fair verdict.

Re: Jury Questions

Thanks ST - really surprised to hear that, has never come to my attention.
Pleased to hear it happens in this country

Re: Jury Questions

I think it's a great idea. When you think about it, the only thing the defense council and the prosecution council are really interested in is winning, so they will not ask any questions that will harm their chances of doing so. It has to be a good thing for justice.

Re: Jury Questions

It was really impressive and I wonder now if ST is on the same lines.
I know the jury ask to see exhibits again - but here, do they ask questions of the accused ?
The questions asked in the docu were so relevant that I was surprised the lawyers did not ask them !

Re: Jury Questions

Questions posed to the judge which are then to be passed to the Defendant's Barrister, it is then up to the Defendant, in consultation and on advice from the Barrister as to whether (S)He answers those questions, they are not obliged to do so.

Re: Jury Questions

I see.
In America - she had to answer and there were a 'lot' of questions, only in 3 states though.
I think it 'should' be the case, I also think the accused should have to take the stand. Why should they evade questioning.

Re: Jury Questions

Because Patsy darlin' a person is PRESUMED innocent and has to prove nothing. It is for the 'STATE' to prove him/her guilty.

Re: Jury Questions

You know - I am sick of seeing criminals so smug when being questioned at the police station. They know they are guilty and also 'know' they don't have to answer any questions. When it gets to court - same thing !
If someone is charged with a crime, they should answer questions, if I were innocent, I would want to, that's for sure !

Re: Jury Questions

I think juries will take silences into account whether they are supposed to or not because like you say if they were innocent they would speak up. Certainly didn't help the man in my niece's case his silence was damning him as he sat there grinning.