| Twelve good men and true |
|
|
|
Page 2 of 2 Of course, cases can be harrowing to sit through. The WI members contributing to this article listened to cases that included child abuse, assault and drug smuggling. In two weeks at Oxford Coroner's Court, Sheila West-Green from Abergele WI in north Wales, heard cases of death by asbestosis, deaths in custody and two deaths on railway lines. Evidence ranged from factual police reports to heart-breaking letters from victims' widows and the mother of a son who threw himself in front of a train. "The train driver trembled so much he couldn't answer the questions with more than a whisper," recalls Sheila. "I've never forgotten him." Sylvia heard a child abuse trial, and it still distresses her to think of it, partly because she could not vote guilty, which she believed the mother of the child was. "I feel emotional about it because I'm still not sure we did the right thing. Two of us were adamant that the mother was guilty, but the ten other jurors were not convinced. We debated for many hours and finally, as the judge wanted a majority verdict, I was persuaded to change my vote. I found it gruelling." Evidence not emotionJurors must decide whether the defendant is guilty or not of the specific charge, on the evidence presented to them in court - not on an emotional response. Edna Turner from Bidborough WI in Kent also had to vote against her personal judgment when she served at Maidstone Crown Court "The majority of our jury felt the man was guilty, but the verdict had to be not guilty as the prosecution had failed to prove its case. The judge impressed on us that if there is any doubt in our minds, the verdict must be not guilty. On that basis, we did what we were asked to do, but it was difficult." Doreen's case at Canterbury Crown Court concerned the alleged abuse of a nine-year old girl. "It was harrowing - we debated for hours," she recalls. "You fear letting the child down, but equally you don't want to commit someone to jail if they're not guilty. It was a distressing case - even the woman barrister wiped away a tear at one point." The BBC2 television series The Verdict, broadcast in February 2007, attempted to portray an authentic jury experience. Celebrity jurors, including former Tory MP Michael Portillo, actress Patsy Palmer, footballer Stan Collymore and mother-turned-campaigner Sara Payne, had to deliver verdicts in a double rape trial. The case was fictitious - defendants were played by actors - but the celebrity jury, and the real barristers and judge, treated the case as genuine. Jury deliberations were tense and emotional as they considered the harrowing evidence, and the "did they, didn't they?" question gripped the nation while the programme ran. In real life, several of our WI jurors testify to the reassurance of judge and coroner during proceedings. "I found the judge's guidance invaluable, and he showed great consideration," remembers Patricia. Sheila agrees. "The coroner guided us to the correct verdict. He was endlessly patient and sympathetic to relatives and witnesses." To sum up, then, jury service is an important, if challenging role. Patricia speaks for many: "Being a juror was not easy and I have seen and heard some sad and difficult things. But overall I found the experience highly worthwhile, and it was fascinating to see justice working at firsthand." Any further questions, m'lud?Who can be called to jury service? Anyone on the electoral register between the ages of 18 and 70. How are people selected? A random cross-section of people is made by computer. Can you refuse jury service? It's a legal requirement to serve. However, if you have a strong reason for not wishing to be a juror, e.g. if you are a full-time carer, you can apply to be excused. How long do you serve? You are called for a two-week stint, which may involve you in several consecutive cases. What if you can't make it? You can ask to defer your service once if you have a good reason, such as a holiday. How many people serve as jurors? Around 450,000 citizens every year. Further information The Criminal Justice System; www.cjsonline.gov.uk Jury service; www.cjsonline.gov.uk/juror/index.html |
