Juries - alternatives to juries

Alternatives to juries

Trial by a single judge was successful in Diplock Court in Northern Ireland, it also works in magistrates' courts with District Judges.
(Diplock Courts ended 31 July 2007)

Trial by a bench of professionals including a judge, works in tribunals, and in other jurisdictions such as Denmark and Sweden.

Professional jurors, as suggested by Lord Denning.

Extend the jury system by allowing them to decide sentence, which are often criticised.

In November 2005 jury reform was delayed by Lord Goldsmith the attorney general.

It is widely believed that a panel of three judges, a single judge sitting with two magistrates, and a single judge sitting with two expert lay assessors are under consideration.

Half a million people are called to serve on juries each year.