The author of a journal article wrote the following opinion: ‘Juries should not decide matters of fact - VCE - SSCE Legal Studies - Question 12 - 2015 - Paper 1

I partially agree with the statement. While judges possess the legal expertise and training to make informed decisions, the role of a jury in the justice system serves several important functions that cannot be overlooked.

On one hand, juries bring a diverse perspective that can reflect community values and common sense into legal proceedings. They ensure that justice is administered in a way that is comprehensible and relevant to ordinary citizens. This helps maintain the legal system's credibility, as it is not just an isolated judicial process but one that is engaged with the community.

On the other hand, there are valid concerns regarding the effectiveness of juries. For instance, jury deliberations can be influenced by personal biases or misconceptions, which may lead to unjust outcomes that a well-trained judge would likely avoid. Furthermore, jury trials can prolong the legal process and increase its complexity.

In conclusion, while I agree that judges are vital for deciding matters of fact due to their expertise, I believe that the jury system plays an essential role in promoting fairness and transparency in the judicial process. Therefore, a balanced approach that leverages the strengths of both systems is crucial.