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WalesLegal StudiesQuick questions
The Nature of Law and the Welsh and English Legal System
Quick questions on The legal profession, judiciary, magistrates and juries - WJEC A-Level Law
5short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What are lay magistrates?Show answer
Lay magistrates (justices of the peace) are unpaid volunteers who hear the great majority of criminal cases in the Magistrates' Court, usually sitting as a bench of three. They are appointed by the Lord Chancellor on the advice of local advisory committees and receive training, but are not legally qualified, so they are advised on the law by a legal adviser. Advantages include local knowledge, cost-effectiveness and lay participation; criticisms include inconsistency between benches and a lack of social representativeness.
What is the jury?Show answer
The jury of twelve in the Crown Court decides questions of fact and returns the verdict; the judge decides the law and directs the jury. Jurors are selected at random from the electoral register and must be aged 18 to 75. Juries deliberate in secret and should reach a unanimous verdict, though a majority verdict (10-2) may be taken after a set period. Jury equity, protected by Bushell's Case, means the jury cannot be punished for its verdict and may acquit in conscience.
What is q1?Show answer
Give one difference between a solicitor and a barrister. [2 marks]
What is q2?Show answer
What does the jury decide in a Crown Court trial? [1 mark]
What is q3?Show answer
Explain judicial independence and why it is important to the rule of law. [12 marks]
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