[英语考试]当代英国概况unit9.pptVIP

Barrister Law Degree(3 years) School of Law Bar Exams(1 year) Pupilage(1 year) Independent practice in ‘chambers’ 5 years Solicitor A solicitor Solicitor Training Law Degree(3 years) Law Society Exams(1 year) Articles(3 years) Work for a Solicitor’s firm become a partner 7 years A 6 Problems in the English Legal System Outdated practice System elitist Weak points of jury system Advantages and disadvantages of the jury system Lay magistrates See p 159 Potential or Possible Advantages of the Jury System The system is the chief bulwark of the common man against abuse by the state or by individual members of the legal system. It gives the public a part to play in the legal process and makes the ordinary people gain a sense of involvement. Jurors usually have more first-hand qualification than any judge to form a valid opinion upon facts connected with the daily life of ordinary people. The system ensures that the judgment of guilt or innocence is made by the accused’s equals, not by a judge whom many will see as being out of touch with ordinary people and no better at making judgments about facts. Potential or Possible Disadvantages of the Jury System Jurors may have a lot of difficulty following arguments and/or evidence in a complex case. Evidence shows that gender or race discrimination and prejudice still exist among some jurors. Juries are likely to be influenced by one dominant personality among their members and also , by the impression they pick up from the judge’s summing-up, rather than solely from the facts presented to them during the hearing. Jurors are more easily swayed by emotional witnesses’ accounts or barristers’ appeals, and sometimes do not pay as much regard to facts or documentary evidence as expected. Potential or Possible Disadvantages Lay Magistrates The system of Lay Magistrates ensures that critical decisions affecting personal liberty, reputation and rights are taken by ordinary individuals. So there is an analogy with trial