Due to COVID-19, all criminal trials have been suspended. JUSTICE considers it vital that solutions are found to ensure trials can restart as soon as possible. For these reasons we have been testing whether, during this emergency when the risk of infection is so dangerous, technology can support virtual jury trials that are fair and enable effective participation. As far as we are aware, this is the first time that virtual jury trial has been tested anywhere in the world.
“Having been very sceptical of the possibility of a jury deliberating electronically, I found myself converted by the set-up trialled by JUSTICE – the software worked very effectively and enabled jurors properly to evaluate the evidence and deliberate on it.” – Professor James Chalmers
“I was impressed with how much better my view of all the participants was than it usually would be for a juror in court, and by my ability to hear everybody involved.” – Patricia Hitchcock QC, barrister and recorder
This work would not be possible without the generous support of our members – thank you! If you are not already a member and would like to support JUSTICE by becoming one, please click below.
In Memory of Lord Kerr of Tonaghmore
JUSTICE submits response to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities – Call for Evidence
30 November 2020
On 16 July 2020, amid the #BlackLivesMatter protests across the world, the Government launched the C...Hearing update from R (Begum) v Secretary of State for the Home Department
25 November 2020
The UK Supreme Court heard this week (23 and 24 November) the cross appeals in the case of Begum, a...