Tim Sheens
Well-known member
About to go into deliberations on two counts in a criminal trial, as part of what seems a very divided panel.
Anyone else served and what was it like?
Anyone else served and what was it like?
Jury duty
- Thread starter Tim Sheens
- Start date
Yeah I did a while ago now, and wasn't too concerned and was prepared to do my duty and all that.
Once empanelled, they read the charges, and they were very numerous child sex crimes, my heart dropped, I wasn't ready for that.
Thankfully it was a case to determine whether he was fit to stand trial and we didn't have to listen to all the awful details.
More or less all the expert testimony was in line and it was clear he was incapable to stand trial and he would be confined to an institution to he was (prob never)
I remember well that a number of the other jurors wanted him to stand trial anyway (understandably) and were making comments like I could see in his eyes he knew what was going on and stuff…. the judge in the end basically instructed us to say he wasn't fit. Basically said we were only weighing up 2 witnesses opinions who both said the same thing (basically he was so mentally incapacitated he didnt know what was going on)
It was a very different case, but Im glad I did it, it was interesting.
Once empanelled, they read the charges, and they were very numerous child sex crimes, my heart dropped, I wasn't ready for that.
Thankfully it was a case to determine whether he was fit to stand trial and we didn't have to listen to all the awful details.
More or less all the expert testimony was in line and it was clear he was incapable to stand trial and he would be confined to an institution to he was (prob never)
I remember well that a number of the other jurors wanted him to stand trial anyway (understandably) and were making comments like I could see in his eyes he knew what was going on and stuff…. the judge in the end basically instructed us to say he wasn't fit. Basically said we were only weighing up 2 witnesses opinions who both said the same thing (basically he was so mentally incapacitated he didnt know what was going on)
It was a very different case, but Im glad I did it, it was interesting.
Yes I've been on jury duty yonks ago. Expect sandwiches for lunch every freakin day… But seriously don't worry and just do your best.
@Telltails said:
Former detectives I'm guessing… He was often in court
GUILTY…everyone is...
happy_tiger
Well-known member
Yes got on two cases many years ago
A dog that was killed and a rape case
A dog that was killed and a rape case
I haven't had to do jury duty,but I was hauled into the back of a paddy wagon twice when I was in Wagga,apparently I looked similar to a knife wielding lunatic who assaulted a woman in a park..
The other time my height was the same as a man seen running away from a burgulary in an up market suburb…
Neither occasion did they positively identify me...both times they said I was there just to make up the numbers...I think I was to good looking and well mannered to be in amongst that lot...haha..
Very Scarry scenarios though and you do get a bit nervous....
The other time my height was the same as a man seen running away from a burgulary in an up market suburb…
Neither occasion did they positively identify me...both times they said I was there just to make up the numbers...I think I was to good looking and well mannered to be in amongst that lot...haha..
Very Scarry scenarios though and you do get a bit nervous....
@Telltails said:
Well yes. This could be his last time though.
@Yossarian said:
Unless they find more dirt on him.
I would be fascinated by jury duty, I've not been called up yet.
Byron_Bay_Fan
New member
Take notes including date and time so you can back up inconsistencies
sheer64
Well-known member
@formerguest said:
I was on a jury many years ago that involved a case that was a mistrial and was being re trialed. It was a very interesting case involving hyper inflationary world war two currency, a smart con man and the stupidity of Westpac bank. It was interesting to say the least how people determine guilt or innocence with or without facts.
Enjoy.
happy_tiger
Well-known member
The one big thing I took from the whole legal process that I would avoid using Legal Aid at all cost
Tim Sheens
Well-known member
Thanks fellow forumers.
I can't state much at this stage, as you would all understand, but certainly echo the thoughts of sticking to the facts and particularly the basic presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
I can't state much at this stage, as you would all understand, but certainly echo the thoughts of sticking to the facts and particularly the basic presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
I took a slightly different tact when I was called in. I looked for reasons why the dude may not have done it. I couldn't find enough to give doubt so I hung the mongrel. He later confessed in prison validating the groups opinion.
One thing I'll say is be prepared to stand firm as others will try to get you to change your vote based upon a myriad of reasons like sympathy for upbringing etc…it's a terrible system IMO.
One thing I'll say is be prepared to stand firm as others will try to get you to change your vote based upon a myriad of reasons like sympathy for upbringing etc…it's a terrible system IMO.
Byron_Bay_Fan
New member
@stryker said:
Terrible it may be but even court lawyers will tell you it is the best system going. But many crims seek to be judged by magistrate alone because according to stats they are more likely to get off - maybe in the early stages at a pre-trail hearing.
@TrueTiger said:
horrible.
The science behind this is non-existent.
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