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Only a small proportion of criminal matters os solved involving a jury. Nevertheless, juries are an integral part of justice and important to promote fairness.One important aspect of the administration of justice if the satisfaction of jurors with their jury duty. Dissatisfied and disappointed jurors may carry these views out of the couurt house into community and reduce other people's willingness to serve as jurors.

In which way is jury satisfaction affected by the experience of the physical environment and jury remuneration? Are there any ongoing consequences of positive or negative experiences in the courtroom?

 

These and other questions related to the jury system and processes were explored in the study. Factor investigated included communications with jurors prior to empanelment, court facilities and amenities, incidents and conditions of jury service and the perceived fairness of jury procedures.

Aims of the study:

- To summarize policies, legislation and practices regarding the management of jurors in the three participating jurisdictions (New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria)

- To evaluate the relationship between juror management policies and effectiveness and sources of juror satisfaction and dissatisfaction in each state

- To examine perceptions and knowledge of prospective and empanelled jurors regarding jury duty to identify any barrier to jury participation and education needs; and

- To identify implications flowing from the findings to develop optimal procedures for managing jurors in Australia.

 

This multistate, multidisciplinary study funded by the Criminology Research Council reveals that juror satisfaction on one hand is influenced by personal comfort, clarity of information presented and jury procedures. On the other hand, dissatisfaction, for example with remuneration, is a significant barrier to jury participation.

People involved in this project:

Jane Goodman-Delahunty

Neil Brewer Link

Jonathan Clough Link

Jacqueline Horan Link

James Ogloff Link

David Tait Link

Jessica Pratley

 

Australian Institute of Criminology

Report: Practices, policies and procedures that influence juror satisfaction in Australia[pdf]

Summary paper: Factors affecting juror satisfaction and confidence in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia[pdf]

Media release

Justice Environments Research