The Ouija Board Jurors

The Ouija board jury incident of 1994 is one of the most disconcerting in English legal history, possibly (says the author) ‘the nadir of reported juror misbehaviour in the 20th-century’. But, as Professor Jeremy Gans shows, in an era of soundbites it has been distorted by the media whilst even eminent lawyers have sometimes got the story wrong. In this first full-length treatment he emphasises the known facts, the constitutional dilemma of investigating even bizarre jury misbehaviour and how the trial involved one of the most serious murder cases of the decade in which two people were shot in cold blood. Stephen Young’s conviction after a re-trial is still claimed to be a miscarriage of justice by some people, as to which Gans puts forward his own ingenious solution. But quite apart from analysing the facts of R v Young, this book is a tour de force on jury misbehaviour in which the author also examines the implications for example of winks and nods, research by jurors, speaking or listening out of turn, going to sleep during the hearing or falling in love with one of the advocates. Amusing at first sight, such events involve deep questions of law, practice and democratic involvement in the Criminal Justice process. Far from being a mere anecdote, the case of the Ouija board jurors, the misconceptions about it and the issues it leads to deserve close study by anyone who is even remotely interested in jury trial. The first full length treatment of an iconic case. Dispels the myths that have built-up around it. Looks at other instances of jury misbehaviour. Shows how the courts and Parliament have wrestled with problems of this kind. A first-rate analysis of a baffling double murder.

Covering all the key skills a criminology student needs to know, this text includes topics on finding and using sources such as legislation, thinking critically about criminological theory, referencing and avoiding plagiarism, preparing for exams, planning a research project and ethical considerations.

The number one best-selling legal skills guide, covering all the practical and academic skills a student needs throughout their studies. Legal Skills is the essential text for students new to law, helping them make the transition from secondary education and equipping them with the skills they need to succeed from the beginning of their degree, through to final-year exams and dissertations.· Written in an accessible and friendlystyle, structured in three parts: Sources of Law, Academic Legal Skills, and Practical Legal Skills· Self-test questions and practical activities throughout allow students to take a hands-on approach tolearning a wide range of legal skills· Diagrams, screenshots and examples used frequently to illustrate key concepts· New chapter on drafting skills, introducing writing skills necessary in legal practice· New 'skills beyond study' feature which helps students identify the transferability of legal skills· Updated coverage of the impact of Brexit and retained EU law· New section on taking care of yourself during theassessment period and how to find support for mental health and accessibility· Videos on presentation, mooting, and negotiation refreshed Digital formats and resourcesThe ninthedition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and is supported by online resources. - The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with embedded self-assessment activities, and multi-media content including a series of supportive videos and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks- The study tools that enhance the e-book are all also availableas stand-alone online resources for use alongside the print book. They include answers to the self-test questions and practical exercises from the book, and a glossary of all the keywords and terms used. There is also an extensiverange of videos with guidance on topics from what to expect from lectures and tutorials, how to research for essays and structure problem questions, to examples of good and bad practice in mooting and negotiations.

Contemporary Issues in Global Criminal Justice provides a holistic analysis of modern criminal justice issues, encompassing the pre-trial, investigative, and post-conviction stages of criminal justice in legal settings across the world. The contributors acknowledge and examine the vast array of challenges in global criminal justice, from the role of the International Criminal Court to policing, the integration of technology, and how marginalized groups, such as sex workers and those with addictions, are treated in the courts. With contributions from scholars in England and Wales, New Zealand, Croatia, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, and The Republic of North Macedonia, this book is not limited to one jurisdiction, and highlights that criminal justice is very much a global issue in a state of crisis. From policing to the courts, it is in urgent need of reform. Without a competent criminal justice system, justice does not exist. This book would be of interest to scholars in the legal, criminal justice, and criminology fields.

This collection explores a variety of issues facing contemporary juries, bringing together innovative research from different disciplines and jurisdictions. The debate stems from a real concern that criticism of the jury may lead to a loss of public confidence in the institution and that this may renew government efforts to further restrict the role of the jury in criminal proceedings in England and Wales. This work offers an interdisciplinary approach presenting insights from legal, psychological and criminological perspectives, thus bypassing traditional borders and presenting a cohesive view. Issues discussed reflect the rapid advances in technology, changing dynamics and behaviours in society, and challenges that have been aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst the focus is primarily on juries in England, Wales, Scotland and across Ireland in terms of challenges and opportunities, the collection also invites a comparative perspective, drawing on experiences and related research in other jurisdictions. The book will be of interest to academics, researchers and policy-makers working in the areas of criminal law and procedure, criminal justice, criminology and psychology.

Some would say New Age refers to those flower loving, freewheeling people in the 60's who wore tinfoil triangles on their head. Others will remark it has to do with those who fear for the ecosystem. Still some will give you a blank stare and say they have no idea what you?re talking about. Yet, little do any of these people realize that the beliefs and teachings of the New Age Movement have not only permeated virtually every sector of our society, but they are leading mankind towards the greatest time of deceit this planet has ever seen. Therefore, this book, New Age & the Last Days Deception, seeks to give you the reader an in-depth insight into the background and beliefs of the New Age Movement and how they are attempting to lead and deceive our planet. Here you will discover such shocking facts as: The Basics of New Age, New Age in Society, The Beliefs of New Age, New Age & Astrology, The History of New Age, New Age & Mediumship, Oprah Winfrey & Her New Age Friends, and New Age & Divination.

A brand-new collection of fascinating facts spanning history and sports to science and pop culture that will have you proudly stating, “Now I know!” Did you know that a measles outbreak led to the assigning of phone numbers? How about the fact that pirates are the reason we don’t use the metric system in the United States? Or that there’s actually a reason why stepping on a LEGO hurts so damn much? Now I Know: Soviets Invaded Wisconsin?! is the ultimate challenge for even the biggest trivia buff. From the time a tomato plant stood up to a volcano to Portland’s great garbage battle of 2002, this book will put your general knowledge to the test and explain the most fascinating stories behind the world’s greatest facts. Based on the very popular newsletter, you are guaranteed to learn something new despite how much you already think you know. Covering 100 topics, Now I Know: Soviets Invaded Wisconsin?! will surprise any know-it-all who thinks they have nothing new to learn.

John Spencer has worked at Cambridge University for over 40 years. He has lectured, supervised – and entertained – students in tort, contract, crime, medical law and criminal procedure and evidence. This book is a tribute to Professor Spencer, but it is different from the usual tribute in that it contains case notes written and selected by the author himself and all published in the Cambridge Law Journal (CLJ) between 1970 and 2013. With the exception of one note, which is somewhat longer, the articles are taken from the case note section of the CLJ which, until fairly recently, imposed a strict word limit of 1000 words and no more (the complexity of the cases and the prolixity of the judges led to the CLJ relaxing this rule to 1500 words). The case notes reproduced here provide a master-class in the writing of incisive, engaging notes. Written with students in mind but also intended for the consumption and edification of a wider audience, these case notes epitomise the way in which Professor Spencer has, for 43 years, cajoled, lambasted and encouraged the judiciary to see things his way.