All questions
au_220
Government and the Law › Justice
What is the role of a jury in an Australian criminal trial?
- To advise the judge on points of law
- To listen to the evidence and decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty
- To decide the sentence if the accused is found guilty
- To question witnesses on behalf of the court
Why this is the correct answer
In an Australian criminal trial, a jury is made up of twelve members of the public selected to hear evidence and determine whether the accused person is guilty or not guilty. Juries decide on the facts of the case, while the judge rules on matters of law and, if there is a conviction, determines the sentence. Serving on a jury is both a civic responsibility and a right of the accused.