Ukraine is preparing to introduce a jury trial: what will it look like?

10 October 19:28

Ukraine is preparing to introduce a foreign-style jury trial model, i.e., when the jury will decide the fate of the accused, and the presiding judge will approve the jury’s verdict. This was reported by Komersant UkrainianKomersant Ukrainian with reference to the draft law No. 3843.

The automated system will select jurors from the register compiled on the basis of the State Register of Voters. According to the law, people will be able to refuse jury service only under certain circumstances, for example, if they are on maternity leave. Jurors are required to be paid based on the salary of a first instance judge, and ignoring this obligation will result in fines. Fines may also be imposed on an employer who does not allow an employee to serve as a juror.

The draft law on the jury proposes to form the jury bench on the basis of random automated selection of candidates from among citizens residing in a certain “judicial district”. Participation as a juror is not only a right, but also a constitutional and civic duty of Ukrainian citizens. Failure to appear on time or without valid reasons for selection or trial will be considered contempt of court and will result in fines.

One of the main issues that arose before the full-scale invasion was ensuring that there were jurors available to attend and those with employer consent, as this would require absence from work. Currently, juries exist only in criminal cases. According to the CPC, criminal proceedings in the court of first instance in cases punishable by life imprisonment are conducted at the request of the accused, with the participation of two judges and three jurors.

Thus, the introduction of the jury trial model in Ukraine will allow ordinary citizens to be involved in the consideration of criminal cases and in making decisions on the guilt of the accused. The automated system will select jurors from among citizens on the basis of random selection. Participation as a juror will become not only a right, but also a constitutional and civic duty. Late arrival or non-arrival without valid reasons for jury service will be considered contempt of court and will result in fines.

Мандровська Олександра
Editor