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Juries

Study note

In serious criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the decision about whether the accused is guilty is made by a jury. A jury is a group of 12 ordinary members of the public who listen to all the evidence in court and then reach a verdict. This means that important decisions about guilt are made by fellow citizens, not just by judges or politicians.

Jurors are chosen at random from the electoral register, which is one reason it is important to be registered to vote. Serving on a jury is an important public duty, and people called for jury service are expected to attend. Note that Scotland is different, with a jury of 15. For the test, remember that in England, Wales and Northern Ireland a jury has 12 members, and that jurors are selected from the electoral register.

Memory tip: A jury of 12 decides guilt in serious cases; jurors are picked from the electoral register.

Practise this topic

Question 1 of 4

How many people normally sit on a jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

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Show all questions and answers for Juries(4 questions with explanations)

Juries: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. How many people normally sit on a jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?

    • 12
    • 9
    • 5
    • 20

    Correct answer: 12

    A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland normally has 12 members.

  2. 2. From which list are members of a jury usually chosen?

    • The electoral register
    • The honours list
    • The civil service list
    • A list of MPs

    Correct answer: The electoral register

    Jurors are selected at random from the electoral register.

  3. 3. Which of these statements is correct?

    • A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members
    • A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 15 members

    Correct answer: A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members

    Juries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have 12 members; Scotland has 15.

  4. 4. In serious criminal cases in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, how many members of the public sit on the jury that decides whether the accused is guilty?

    • 12
    • 6
    • 15
    • 9

    Correct answer: 12

    A jury normally has 12 members in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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