Ukraine has taken the first step towards the introduction of jury trials
Kyiv • UNN
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted in the first reading the draft law No. 3843. The document provides for the introduction of a jury trial system in the country.
The Parliament has adopted in the first reading a bill that provides for the introduction of a jury trial in Ukraine, reports UNN with reference to the parliamentary corps.
The Verkhovna Rada in the first reading supported the bill on the introduction of a jury trial in Ukraine (№3843)
In turn, People's Deputy Yaroslav Zheleznyak added that the Rada also adopted in the first reading the bill № 3844 "On the Judiciary" in connection with the jury trial.
The bill proposes to establish in a separate law "On the Jury Trial" that the jury trial is a form of direct implementation of the natural, enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine, the right of the people to administer justice. It will administer justice in the court of first instance in criminal cases.
The jury trial consists of one professional judge and a Jury. The professional judge of the jury trial is the procedural chairman in the court session and does not participate in the decision of the Jury on the merits of the accusation.
The Jury of the jury trial consists of 8 jurors. The composition of the Jury is formed on the basis of a random automated selection of candidates for jurors from among the citizens of Ukraine who permanently reside in the corresponding judicial district.
The Jury, based on the results of the trial of the accusation of a person, makes a decision on the merits of the accusation (verdict).
At the same time, the administration of justice by a citizen of Ukraine who has been elected as a juror is not only a right, but also a constitutional and civic duty.
A juror is involved in the administration of justice as part of one Jury of the jury trial for the duration of the consideration of only one court case.
Who can become a juror
A citizen of Ukraine who has reached the age of 21 and permanently resides in the territory under the jurisdiction of the relevant court can become a juror.
The following persons cannot become jurors:
1) persons recognized by the court as having limited legal capacity or incapacitated;
2) persons who are registered with a narcological, psychoneurological institution in connection with treatment for alcoholism, drug addiction, substance abuse and/or have chronic mental or other diseases that prevent the exercise of the rights and duties of a juror;
3) persons who have an unexpunged or unspent criminal record, and/or who are a party to criminal proceedings as a suspect or accused;
4) officials, lawyers, notaries, etc.
A citizen who has been elected to the list of candidates for jurors is obliged to inform the court of circumstances that make it impossible for him to participate in the administration of justice. Failure to provide such information, if available, provides for the prosecution of the guilty persons.
