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Jurors' perceptions, understanding, confidence and satisfaction in the jury system: a study in 6 courts

Juries are often seen as one of the foundation stones of the criminal justice system in England and Wales. This research looked at the views and attitudes of a sample of jurors who had recently completed jury service in 6 English courts. The evidence looked at jurors' perceptions, understanding, confidence and satisfaction, as a result of their service.

Title: Jurors' perceptions, understanding, confidence and satisfaction in the jury system: a study in six courts
Author: Research Development Statistics
Series: Findings 227
Number of Pages: 4
Date Published: January 2004

Key Findings

• The majority of respondents had a more positive view of the jury trial system after completing their service than they did before. Furthermore, virtually all jurors interviewed considered jury trials to be an important part of the criminal justice system.

• Confidence in the jury system was closely associated with the process fairness, respect for the rights of defendants and all the jury's ability to consider evidence from different perspectives. A jury's representation of a broad spectrum of views was a key factor in jurors' confidence in the Crown Court trial.

• Jurors were very impressed with the professionalism and helpfulness of the court personnel. In particular, they praised the judge's performance, commitment, and competence.

• The main impediment to understanding proceedings was the use of legal terminology, although jurors also felt that evidence could sometimes be presented more clearly.

• Over half of the respondents said that they would be happy to do jury service again, while 19% said that they 'would not mind' doing it again. The most positive aspects of engaging in jury service were reported to be having a greater understanding of the criminal court trial, a feeling of having performed an important civic duty and finding the experience personally fulfilling.

Objectives of the study

As this was one of the few studies which has been carried out in this country looking explicitly at jurors' experiences, the aim was to examine a number of different aspects of the jury system, including:

• aspects of the selection process and willingness to participate

• jurors' views and attitudes towards the media and court personnel

• the quality and quantity of information that jurors receive

• jurors' understanding of information, procedures and evidence

• the main factors which both enhance and undermine jurors' confidence in the court and jury system

• jurors' satisfaction with court facilities and services and engaging in jury service

• jurors' experience of intimidation and stress.

Conclusion

For the majority of jurors covered by this research, engaging in jury service enhanced their confidence in the jury system. Clearly, for the vast majority of respondents here, juries are seen as an essential component of providing a fair and just trial process, and the diversity of the jury is seen as the best way of avoiding bias and arriving at a sound verdict.

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Date modified: 28 January 2004
Review date: January 2005
Originator: Crime Reduction Centre Information Services

Last update: 28/01/04