NCJ Number
129938
Date Published
1991
Length
50 pages
Annotation
Allegations of interference in a criminal trial in Queensland, Australia in 1990 led to an analysis by the Queensland Criminal Justice Commission of the need for law reform concerning the distribution of jury lists and the permissible inquiries of prospective jurors.
Abstract
Issues considered by the Commission included whether the prosecution should have advance notice of those on the jury panel, the handling of trials of defendants who have received public notoriety or ridicule, and the best method by which to obtain an impartial jury. The Commission considered the purpose and history of juries, the composition and selection of jury panels, disqualifications and exemptions, the publication of the jury list, and prosecutors' and defense attorneys' checking of potential jurors before a trial. It also focused on the secrecy of jury deliberations, issues related to unanimous and majority verdicts, trials without juries, and the potential for educating jurors and improving trial procedures. Footnotes and lists of possible law reforms related to each issue