Protestors gathered in front of Sheffield Crown Court this morning where they stood in silence holding up identical signs as part of a UK-wide campaign, ‘Defend Our Juries.’
The Campaign hopes to protect the centuries-old principle of ‘jury equity’, allowing jurors to acquit defendants according to conscience, regardless of directions from a judge.
A dozen people gathered to protest in Sheffield and across the UK, more than 50 demonstrations took place.
The residents who attended the protest this morning held up signs which said ‘Jury equity’ across them.
Graham Wroe, from ‘The Sheffield Defend our Juries’, said: “By displaying these signs, the group runs the risk of arrest.
“There are strong indications that united, collective action to defend the principle of jury equity is proving effective.”
In September, Solicitor General announced he would prosecute a 68 year old social worker, Trudy Warner, for contempt of court.
Miss Warner held up a sign outside a London Crown Court earlier this year, which showed her support of jury equity. This led to a massive split in the legal profession over opinions on the jury’s role in British justice.
Heather Worden, Sheffield resident and retired speech and language therapist said: “I am here primarily due to my extreme concern about the environment and climate change.
“I think jurors may not consistently be given the opportunity to hear enough to give their verdict according to their convictions.”
Jury equity has meant jurors have acquitted several activists of charges from this direct action. For example both ‘just stop oil’ and ‘extinction rebellion’ have been acquitted in various cases.
They were acquitted by juries on the basis it was believed they committed minor breaches of law for the sake of a greater cause.
The Defend our Juries campaign has gathered powerful support, including Professor Vogler and Professor John Spencer.
Cath Parker, retired teacher said: “I am doing this because it’s important the legal system allows people to tell the whole truth behind their actions in court, and not be silenced.”
