What is a noted disadvantage of the jury system?

What is a noted disadvantage of the jury system?

• A. Jurors are well-trained professionals
• B. Decisions are often made by individuals rather than groups
• C. Jurors are known to be unpredictable
• D. Juries can only decide civil cases

Answer: (C)

The jury system is often criticized for the unpredictability of jurors, which is a notable disadvantage. Jurors come from various backgrounds and may have different values, beliefs, and experiences, leading to potentially inconsistent verdicts. This unpredictability can cause concerns about the fairness and reliability of the justice system, as decisions might be influenced by emotional factors, biases, or a lack of legal understanding rather than the facts of the case or the rule of law. While the other options present characteristics of the jury system, they don't highlight significant disadvantages. For instance, jurors are not typically trained professionals, which is why their decisions can sometimes be seen as unpredictable. Moreover, decisions made by individuals rather than groups is a critique that doesn’t accurately describe how juries work; juries operate as a collective body. Finally, the assertion that juries can only decide civil cases is incorrect, as they are capable of deciding both criminal and civil matters. Thus, the unpredictability of jurors is a key factor in assessing the disadvantages of the jury system.

The jury system is often criticized for the unpredictability of jurors, which is a notable disadvantage. Jurors come from various backgrounds and may have different values, beliefs, and experiences, leading to potentially inconsistent verdicts. This unpredictability can cause concerns about the fairness and reliability of the justice system, as decisions might be influenced by emotional factors, biases, or a lack of legal understanding rather than the facts of the case or the rule of law.

While the other options present characteristics of the jury system, they don't highlight significant disadvantages. For instance, jurors are not typically trained professionals, which is why their decisions can sometimes be seen as unpredictable. Moreover, decisions made by individuals rather than groups is a critique that doesn’t accurately describe how juries work; juries operate as a collective body. Finally, the assertion that juries can only decide civil cases is incorrect, as they are capable of deciding both criminal and civil matters. Thus, the unpredictability of jurors is a key factor in assessing the disadvantages of the jury system.