High Court Judge Supports the Right to Display Jury Signs Outside of Criminal Trials
In a recent ruling, a High Court judge determined that a woman who displayed a sign outside a criminal trial encouraging jurors to listen to their conscience was not in contempt of court.
The woman, Trudi Warner, a retired social worker, was arrested outside Inner London Crown Court for holding a sign that read, “Jurors you have an absolute right to acquit a defendant according to your conscience.”
Despite attempts by lawyers to prosecute Warner for contempt of court, the judge denied permission, stating that her actions did not constitute a criminal offense and it was not in the public interest to prosecute her.
The judge emphasized that Warner’s sign simply informed potential jurors of their legal powers and did not implore them to act. He highlighted the tension between a jury’s ability to return a verdict according to conscience and their duty to base decisions solely on evidence.
After the ruling, Warner expressed relief and affirmed that she aimed to educate jurors about their rights. The judge acknowledged that Warner’s sign summarized the principle of jury equity without instructing or urging jurors to act.
Recent concerns from the government over activists being acquitted for crimes like criminal damage have led to legal challenges to certain defenses used by protesters. For instance, the Court of Appeal ruled that activists cannot use political or philosophical beliefs as a defense against charges of criminal damage.
