NCJ Number
130749
Date Published
1986
Length
234 pages
Annotation
This report by the New South Wales Law Reform Commission offers recommendations designed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of juries in New South Wales.
Abstract
The commission recommendations are based on empirical data obtained from surveys of the compilation of jury rolls, grounds for excusal from jury service, prospective jurors, jurors, court procedures, judges, and crown prosecutors. The commission's examination of the jury system in New South Wales is based on seven principles: the pursuit of truth, minimization of the risk of convicting the innocent, a criminal justice system that is acceptable and accountable to the community, fairness and justice, efficiency, effective communication, and openness and the publicity of criminal proceedings. Based on these principles, the commission determined that no fundamental changes are required in the manner in which the jury system operates. The 95 recommendations are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the existing jury system. The recommendations are intended to ensure a representative jury, protect the jury, make the jury's task easier, reduce bias and prejudice, promote satisfactory verdicts, require the verdict to be unanimous, save time and money, and promote the confidentiality of jury deliberations. Chapter footnotes and appended information are included on the costing of a proposal to increase jury fees after the first week of service.