Number of Jurors
| Court | At start of trial | Minimum number | Majorities allowed | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crown Court | 12 | 9 | 11-1, 10-2, 10-1, 9-1 | Juries Act 1974, s.17 |
| High Court | 12 | 9 | 11-1, 10-2, 10-1, 9-1 | Juries Act 1974, s.17 |
| County Court | 8 | 7 | 7-1 | County Courts Act 1984, s.66; Juries Act 1974, s.17(2) |
| Coroner's Court | between 7 and 11 | — | Minority no more than 2 | Coroners Act 1988, s.8(2)(a), s.12 |
In the event of a juror being discharged for any reason, the trial can continue so long as the minimum number of jurors remain. The judge should press the jury for a unanimous verdict and not, in any event, suggest that a majority is acceptable until after 2 hours and 10 minutes. This was originally 2 hours but it was extended to allow time for the jury to settle after retiring. Unanimous verdicts were required until the Criminal Justice Act 1967.
Read more about this topic: Juries In England And Wales
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