Australian Capital Passes Laws Allowing Majority Jury Verdicts

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) government has passed two significant changes to its jury laws: accepting majority decisions of 11:1 as guilty verdicts, and criminalising jurors’ independent search for trial information, such as through online queries. ACT Attorney‑General Shane Rattenbury said the decision to accept majority verdicts would help to prevent hung juries and the consequent need for retrials. “In a diverse community people may not always agree,” he said. “This not only causes delays and increased costs, but also adds emotional strain for victims, accused people, and others involved in the proceedings. “The community expects both an efficient and a fair justice system. These reforms will help … give the community confidence in our jury system.”...