‘A Jury of Peers’: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The article considers the historical development of the concept of a jury of peers in the UK, which is contrasted with US development. It is argued that if the jury process is to continue as an element of the judicial process, then issues of jury selection need to be revisited. In outlining the historical development of what is meant by the concept of a trial by a person's peer, it is suggested that there are a number of parallels to contemporary issues of equality. The representation of peer/social groups on a jury panel is considered in the light of contemporary equality and human rights laws.