JUSTICE Scotland has submitted a response to the Scottish Government regarding the Scottish Jury Research findings. We underline the important constitutional role that juries play in criminal trials and raise concerns about reforming aspects of the Scottish jury system.
The Research is an interesting piece of work. It provides insight into the relationship between the three unique elements of the Scottish jury system and the effect that they may have on jury decision making and the outcome of a trial. However, we do not consider that the findings should be used as the basis for reforming any of three aspects of the jury system. We raise further concerns about reforming one aspect of the jury system in isolation, and highlight the need for any proposed reform to have clearly identified aims.”