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The Law Show

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Conversation about the laws making headlines, and the laws that shape everyday life.

The Law Show is your guide to the law and the legal decisions that have a bearing on everyone in the UK.

Weekly conversation that will give you an in-depth understanding of the law stories making news and the legal decisions that could have a bearing on everyone in the UK. Whether it's unpicking a landmark legal ruling, explaining how laws are made or seeking clarity for you on a legal issue, The Law Show will be your guide.

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The Law Show: What is the Future for Juries?

What is the Future for Juries?

01/03/2011

BBC Radio 4 - The Law Show, What is the Future for Juries?

As trials become more complicated, Joshua Rozenberg asks what is the future for juries?

As criminal court cases become more complicated, with the greater use of forensic evidence and expert witnesses, Joshua Rozenberg considers what the future holds for jury trials.

The so-called right to trial by jury is one available in only a small minority of criminal cases in England and Wales. Yet many people regard it as a fundamental human right. Recently, a number of our most senior judges have asked what the future role of jury trial should be in the criminal justice system. 

As forensic evidence becomes more detailed and the use of - sometimes controversial - expert witnesses grows, do we need to reform our jury system to take account of changing needs and practices? And with strict controls placed on research into how juries work and how well they understand court procedures, do we even know what problems jurors may have with the system we now have? On top of this, politicians and others are concerned about the cost of jury trials. 

Joshua Rozenberg considers the pressures on our historic system of trial by jury, what changes are being proposed and speaks to two recent jurors about their experiences.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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