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‘While the jury is often criticised, it also has many strengths that help the operation of the criminal justice system.’ Identify and evaluate three of those strengths. - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 12 - 2006 - Paper 1
Question 12
‘While the jury is often criticised, it also has many strengths that help the operation of the criminal justice system.’ Identify and evaluate three of those strengt... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:‘While the jury is often criticised, it also has many strengths that help the operation of the criminal justice system.’ Identify and evaluate three of those strengths. - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 12 - 2006 - Paper 1
Step 1
Strength 1: Decisions Reflect Community Perspectives
Answer
One significant strength of the jury system is that decisions reflect the views of the common person and the community. Jurors come from diverse backgrounds, which allows for a variety of perspectives in the deliberation process. This representation ensures that the verdicts resonate with societal values and norms, enhancing public confidence in the judicial system.
Step 2
Strength 2: Independent and Impartial Jurors
Answer
Juries are composed of independent and impartial individuals, which is essential for a fair trial. This independence allows jurors to make decisions based solely on the evidence presented, free from external pressures or influences. As a result, the integrity of the legal process is upheld, and the rights of both the accused and the victims are protected.
Step 3
Strength 3: Ensuring Community Engagement
Answer
Another strength of the jury system is that it ensures community engagement in the legal process. By incorporating ordinary citizens into the trial system, the law becomes more accessible and relatable. This involvement fosters a sense of civic duty and encourages participants to better understand legal proceedings, ultimately strengthening community ties and trust in the justice system.