Juries in England and Wales - Number of Jurors

Number of Jurors

Number of jurors in England and Wales
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.

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