Reading and Discussing

Task I. Read the following text.

Advantages and disadvantages of the jury system

There are certain advantages and disadvantages of trial by jury.

1. Advantages

1. A verdict from a jury of ordinary lay persons appears to be more acceptable to the public than a verdict from a single judge.

2. Ordinary lay people take part in the administration of law.

3. A jury is impartial and has no direct interest in the result.

4. There is an impression that not only has justice been done, it has been seen to be done.

2. Disadvantages

1. Jurors may not be competent to understand the evidence presented and the issues involved.

2. Jurors may be easily convinced by the manner and presentation of the barristers during the trial.

3. In some trials, say motoring offences, juries may have a sympathy with the accused.

4. Although jurors receive payment for travelling expenses, etc., and an allowance for loss of earnings, it is probable that many people suffer financial loss.

5. The period of jury service may take many weeks and this may place strain on certain jurors, such as mothers with very young children or the more elderly. There is a danger that jurors may “agree” with a verdict to bring an end to the trial.

6. Cover by television and newspaper of important or controversial trials may influence jurors. Although jurors should not discuss the case during the course of the trial, it is practically impossible to avoid the opinions of reporters and newsreaders.

7. There is a suggestion that trials by judge alone would probably produce more correct decisions than trials by jury [1].

Task II. Mark the statements as True or False. Correct false statements.

	Jurors are quite competent to understand the matters of law.
	Jurors must necessarily have a legal training.
	The jury system allows lay people to take part in the administration of law.
	Trial by jury is preferable, because a jury is impartial and has no direct interest in the result.
	The period of jury service may take many years.
	Trial by judge alone would produce more correct decisions than trials by jury.
	A verdict from a single judge is more acceptable to the public than the verdict from a judge.
	Jurors have the right to discuss the case in the course of the trial.
	Many jurors suffer financial loss while on jury service.
	Jurors are never influenced by the presentation of the barristers during the trial.

Task III. Read the following text to enlarge your knowledge on the jury system in the United States.