Juries

In 2022, a group of healthcare professionals were prosecuted for criminal damage against the investment firm JP Morgan. They argued that by drawing attention to the issue, they were preventing future harm. The judge directed the jury that they have no defence in law, but they were still acquitted. Their case is being used by some as an illustration of the value in trial by jury and by others as an illustration of its flaws. Meanwhile, the government has introduced legislation into parliament which would substantially curtail the right of a criminal defendant to choose jury trial. But what exactly are juries? When are they used? How do they work? And why do we use them? On this episode of Cross Examination, Tom Cross KC is joined by: Flora Page KC, a barrister at 23 Essex Street Chambers. In recent years, she's acted for a group of prominent sub-postmasters in their criminal appeals. Just days ago, she quit the Legal Services Board over what she calls a “tyrannical” plan by the government to restrict trials by jury. Sarah Vine KC, a criminal barrister at Doughty Street Chambers, whose practice involves defending in the most serious allegations, and has a particular expertise in the areas of sexual consent, deception and gender identity in the criminal law. Cross Examination is written and presented by Tom Cross KC, and produced by Alex Rees. https://www.crossexamination.co.uk/