Juries

[Caroline]

Explain how you are convinced how the jury think

Why can't you let people have their own opinions and debate the case without intervening with this kind of bullshit! I don't know why you're allowed to get away with it - people get banned for MUCH less! All you do is try and attack other posters, I say TRY because generally you make an arse of yourself. People here don't like to answer you back because your reputation as an obsessive proceeds you!!

[David1819]

in MOST cases? I think in MOST cases they accept a majority vote.

I am talking about in America were they don't allow split verdicts they have to be unanimous

[Caroline]

I am talking about in America were they don't allow split verdicts they have to be unanimous

There are LOTS of differences between US and UK trials and your analysis is a lot simpler than reality https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hung_jury

How many trials (percentage wise) end up in a two trial hung jury?

[ngb1066]

So how many retrials -and at what cost- would be allowed in the case of several split verdicts and at what point is a potentially guilty person allowed to walk OR a potentially innocent person incarcerated.

Two retrials is the maximum - if the jury still cannot agree the prosecution offer no evidence and not guilty verdicts are returned. 

[Caroline]

Two retrials is the maximum - if the jury still cannot agree the prosecution offer no evidence and not guilty verdicts are returned.

Some states now operate a majority verdict and I imagine that a two trial hung jury is a rarity.

[ngb1066]

Some states now operate a majority verdict and I imagine that a two trial hung jury is a rarity.

I was referring to the position in England and Wales (I think Scotland is different because of the possibility of a "not proven" verdict, but I am not sure).

[Caroline]

I was referring to the position in England and Wales (I think Scotland is different because of the possibility of a "not proven" verdict, but I am not sure).

Oh OK - still though, I can't think of any recent (or any) cases where this has happened?

[ngb1066]

Oh OK - still though, I can't think of any recent (or any) cases where this has happened?

I think the Sion Jenkins murder case was the last but I may be wrong.

[Caroline]

I think the Sion Jenkins murder case was the last but I may be wrong.

To be honest, I didn't know that that happened but will see if I can find some examples. Sion Jenkins was actually convicted and released after 2 appeals. But there must be someone who fits the bill.

[ngb1066]

To be honest, I didn't know that that happened but will see if I can find some examples. Sion Jenkins was actually convicted and released after 2 appeals. But there must be someone who fits the bill.

The second appeal did not result in a not guilty verdict, a retrial was ordered.  He was retried and the jury could not agree, so the prosecution offered no evidence and a not guilty verdict was entered.

[susan]

The second appeal did not result in a not guilty verdict, a retrial was ordered.  He was retried and the jury could not agree, so the prosecution offered no evidence and a not guilty verdict was entered.

Hi NGB

thanks for that I just could not remember what happened but have often wondered was the right verdict given.

[ngb1066]

Hi NGB

thanks for that I just could not remember what happened but have often wondered was the right verdict given.

It is a very difficult case to judge.  His wife certainly believed he was guilty.

[maggie]

It is a very difficult case to judge.  His wife certainly believed he was guilty.

That is telling, I think.  She knew better than anyone if he was capable of such an act. 

[notsure]

I bet he wouldnt take a lie detector

[lookout]

I bet he wouldn't either. He was a bad-tempered so and so too. His wife was scared of him.