Question

Describe the seven steps in the Australian jury selection process, and the two American alternatives

Answer 1

The Australian jury selection process has seven steps, including juror eligibility, screening for impartiality, and jury discharge. The American alternatives to jury selection are judge trials and summary jury trials.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Australian jury selection process consists of seven steps:

1. Juror eligibility: Potential jurors are selected randomly from the electoral roll and must be over 18 years old and citizens of Australia.
2. Summoning of jurors: Selected potential jurors are summoned to the court and required to attend on the specified date.
3. Vetting for disqualification: Jurors may be disqualified for certain reasons, such as having a conflict of interest or being unable to understand and speak English.
4. Screening for impartiality: Potential jurors are questioned by the judge and lawyers to ensure they can be impartial in the case.
5. Juror selection: Once potential jurors pass the screening, the final jury panel is chosen through a random ballot.
6. Jury empanelment: The selected jurors take an oath or affirmation to fulfill their duties faithfully.
7. Jury discharge: Jurors are discharged at the end of the trial or when a mistrial is declared.

In the American legal system, there are two alternatives to the traditional jury selection process:

1. Judge trial: Instead of a jury, the judge alone decides the verdict based on the evidence presented.
2. Summary jury trial: A shortened and less formal trial process used for non-binding advisory opinions, where a small panel of jurors hears the case and provides feedback to the parties involved.