LAW37430 Jury Trials

Academic Year 2023/2024

This module consists of a detailed examination of issues pertaining to trial by jury. It begins by placing the Irish jury in its historical and constitutional context. Examples of the topics which will be considered include aspects of jury history, the jury secrecy rule, jury misconduct, and the representativeness of juries. A number of guest speakers with practical experience of jury trials will lead seminars on the module.

Students choosing this module should be aware that there will be weekly assigned reading which they will be expected to discuss in class, and that there will be marks for seminar participation. Participation means meaningful contribution to the seminars that demonstrates thorough reading and engagement with the literature. Students will also engage in independent research as part of the assessment for this module.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Describe the position and attributes of jury trial in the Irish justice system, with reference to its history.
Debate trends and controversies relating to the jury with reference to the law and social science literature.
Suggest reforms to the law and practice of jury trials.
Demonstrate the ability to research and deliver a presentation.
Demonstrate improved independent research skills.

Indicative Module Content:

Examples of the topics which will be considered include aspects of jury history, the jury secrecy rule, jury misconduct, the Special Criminal Court and the representativeness of juries.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Seminar (or Webinar)

24
Specified Learning Activities

30
Autonomous Student Learning

96
Total

150
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Advance reading
Student-led in-class discussion and debate
Independent research
Persuasive writing 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Seminar: The grade is for attendance AND participation in the weekly seminars. Throughout the Trimester n/a Graded No

10
Assignment: 3000 word research paper based on module content Coursework (End of Trimester) n/a Graded No

75
Assignment: A short Research Plan, for which feedback will be given. Week 11 n/a Graded No

15

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

On this module, feedback is available in several formats: Individual and group feedback on specific issues discussed in seminars Individual feedback during student office hours. Group feedback on the research drafts. Individual feedback on research drafts. Group feedback on the final assignment

Name Role
Assoc Professor Mark Coen Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Niamh Howlin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
 
Spring
      
Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Seminar Offering 1 Week(s) - 33 Thurs 14:00 - 15:50
Spring