Juries vs. Magistrates

Attribute	Juries	Magistrates
Composition	Consists of a group of citizens	Consists of a single judge or panel of judges
Decision Making	Decisions are made collectively	Decisions are made by the judge(s)
Selection Process	Selected randomly from eligible citizens	Appointed based on qualifications and experience
Role	Decides guilt or innocence in a trial	Presides over court proceedings and makes legal rulings

Selection Process

Juries are typically selected at random from a pool of eligible citizens. This random selection process is meant to ensure a fair and unbiased jury. Magistrates, on the other hand, are appointed by the government or a judicial body. They are usually legal professionals with experience in the field. The selection process for magistrates involves a thorough vetting process to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and experience.

Composition

Juries are made up of a group of ordinary citizens who are tasked with listening to the evidence presented in a case and reaching a verdict based on that evidence. The number of jurors can vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of case. Magistrates, on the other hand, are usually appointed in panels of three. These panels consist of one legally qualified magistrate and two lay magistrates who have been trained to assist in legal matters.

Decision Making

When it comes to decision making, juries must reach a unanimous verdict in criminal cases. In civil cases, a majority vote is usually sufficient. Magistrates, on the other hand, make decisions based on a majority vote. This means that if two out of the three magistrates agree on a decision, that decision will be reached.

Legal Knowledge

Jurors are not required to have any legal knowledge or experience. They are expected to make decisions based on the evidence presented in court and the instructions given to them by the judge. Magistrates, on the other hand, are expected to have a good understanding of the law. They receive training to ensure they are familiar with legal procedures and principles.

Role in the Legal System

Juries play a crucial role in the legal system by providing a lay perspective on cases. They are meant to represent the community and ensure that justice is served. Magistrates, on the other hand, are considered legal professionals who have the expertise to make informed decisions. They are responsible for handling a wide range of cases, from minor offenses to more serious crimes.

Impartiality

Juries are expected to be impartial and make decisions based solely on the evidence presented in court. They are not allowed to conduct their own investigations or consider any outside information. Magistrates, on the other hand, are expected to be impartial as well. However, their legal training may influence their decision-making process to a certain extent.

Appeals Process

Decisions made by juries can be appealed, but only in limited circumstances. Appeals are usually based on errors in the legal process rather than the jury's decision itself. Magistrates' decisions can also be appealed, but the process is typically more straightforward. Appeals are usually based on errors in law or procedure.