A woman from Gedling will today (25) risk arrest and a possible two-year imprisonment by holding up signs outside Nottingham Crown Court, as part of the growing public campaign Defend Our Juries.
The silent protest is one of 21 being held today across England outside Crown Courts.
Protesters are holding up signs that reference a law which is carved into a stone plaque on the wall of the Old Bailey. The plaque commemorates a trial held in 1670 where the jurors acquitted the defendants despite the judge directing them to find the defendants guilty. The story of this case is taught to legal students today. The signs say “The Right of Juries to give their verdict according to their convictions”
Some Judges are banning protesters from explaining the motivation for their actions [5]. In some cases, people have even been sent to prison [6] for simply using the words ‘climate change’ and ‘fuel poverty’ in Court.
Amanda Pumo, 64, a retired therapist from Gedling said: “Defendants should be able to tell the jury the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Isn’t that what you swear to do in Court? And the truth includes why you’re protesting. If defendants can’t tell the whole truth, how can the jurors make a truly informed decision about their guilt or innocence?”
People can find out more by going to defendourjuries.org
Our jury system is recognised all over the world as an excellent example of how justice should work. The 12 citizens need to be able to make informed and ethical judgements. We must never let these rights be eroded because they protect our democracy and they protect us all. Thank you, Amanda.
I didn’t know about this – lots of people won’t. “Someone has to be trusted, let it be the judges” – apparently not any more. Thank you Amanda for your bravery in standing up for what you believe is right.