THE JURY SYSTEM.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 July 1924, Page 2

THE JURY SYSTEM.

Proposals for the abolition ot the jury system have boon advanced by Mime of the candidates seeking election to the m>xi Victorian Parliament, and a public discussion on tin* matter is iinw" prin-eeding in .Melbourne. Mr Xielmlson, Chief Commissioner jf l’nlici*. .-aid that under the present tent of juries it was impossible to bring offenders to justice. A similar position bad existed in South Africa, wlieiv bribing and intimidation ot jurors preserved the freedom ot criminals and rendered cities dangerous for lawabiding citizens.This had led to the abandonment of the jury system, and South Alriea nmv administered justice per medium of a bench of three Judges. The result was that their cities were now as sale as any in llie world, and there had been no ease reported of a miscarriage it justice.

.Sir Arthur Robinson, late Attornev(■’eneral. said it was not desirable in a British community to abolish- the jury sy.-tem in criminal oases. However, lie considered the requirement of absolute unanimity, except in capital offences, was quite tin necessary.

A majority of ten-twelfths should lie enough to convict, with the certainty of justice being done, and at :!i_> same time,providing a sufficient chock on the activities of those who now iipprontT.e.! jurors and attempted to square then,.