A Level Law Practice Exam

What happens if the prosecution believes a jury’s decision was influenced improperly?

1. They can file for a mistrial

2. They can appeal directly to the Crown Court

3. They may request a retrial based on new evidence

4. They can appeal to the Court of Appeal regarding the acquittal

The correct answer is: They can appeal to the Court of Appeal regarding the acquittal

When a prosecution believes that a jury's decision was influenced improperly, appealing to the Court of Appeal regarding the acquittal is the correct course of action. This reflects the legal principle that a defendant cannot be retried for the same offense once acquitted, as this principle protects individuals from double jeopardy. However, if there are grounds to believe that the acquittal was the result of a significant judicial error or misconduct, the prosecution can seek to appeal this decision. The Court of Appeal has the authority to review the case, evaluating the appropriateness of the acquittal based on how the trial was conducted and any improper influences that may have affected the jury’s decision. Thus, this option emphasizes the checks and balances within the legal system to maintain the integrity of judicial outcomes. In contrast, the other responses suggest actions that do not align with established legal procedures. Filing for a mistrial typically occurs during the trial itself and is not viable once a jury has rendered a verdict. Requesting a retrial based on new evidence is also not applicable in this situation since it is very specific to prosecuting a case rather than responding to a jury's decision. Appealing directly to the Crown Court doesn’t fit within the framework of appellate options available after