What do jury service?

The jury - also known as trial by jury , for many of the accused's last hope for a fair consideration of their cases.  The judge, a professional lawyer, determines the penalty verdict based on the ordinary people who make a decision "in good conscience."

In the proceedings involved 12 jurors. Psychologists believe such a number of optimal for productive work in the small group.  People can not separate a, distracted from their own problems, paying maximum attention to the collective work.

In addition to 12 jurors "core team" to "bench" waiting for their turn at least two "doubles".  They "come out on the field" and take part in the discussion of the verdict in the case of illness or absence for any other reason someone out of "team players".

No matter how much lasted the court, the jury provided a daily wage at the level of that which pays for the main job.  Labor unemployment is estimated at 150 rubles per day.

Ideally, the jury must renounce all the emotion and evaluate the actions of the defendant only on the facts.  Before the trial began, they were not given any information about the person, property, social or marital status of man in the dock.  If such information is suddenly "swim" in the trial, they should not be considered by jurors in determining the guilt of the accused.  For jurors weigh only evidence examined in court.

Before rendering a verdict the judge appeals to a juror with a parting speech, designed for people of average intelligence level.  You should not take offense at the tone of a teacher and a reminder of truths.  Maybe someone from the temporary colleagues explanation needed.

The final decision of the jury shall take into the deliberation room to which access is restricted to them.  Individual opinion of each juror to the outside world must remain a secret.

As a rule, the jury must answer four questions of the questionnaire: whether the offense is proved, if proven involvement in the crime the accused is guilty and whether the defendant deserves leniency if he.  There may be other issues if necessary.  Any question can be answered only yes or no.

Within three hours the jury of the meeting must come to a unanimous decision.  If opinions differ, a vote is taken.  Vote all the participants on the jury list and open.  To avoid or abstain from voting no one is allowed.

The accused will be acquitted if the jury thinks the majority of his guilt is not proven, or opinions will be divided in half.  In this case, the defendant is released directly from the courtroom, even if the judge did not agree with the jury.  The acquittal of the jury can only undo the Supreme Court.