Witnesses and Evidence - Audio

Can we really expect jurors to fully understand the intricate and complex workings of the legal system? Should we really burden members of the public with the responsibility of resolving our criminal and civil disputes - or would we be better having a panel of experts? And what about expert witnesses? After so many recent miscarriages of justice, how much weight should be given to the testimony of such witnesses? Gary Slapper, Professor of Law at The Open University, and Frances Gibb, Legal...

Can we really expect jurors to fully understand the intricate and complex workings of the legal system? Should we really burden members of the public with the responsibility of resolving our criminal and civil disputes - or would we be better having a panel of experts? And what about expert witnesses? After so many recent miscarriages of justice, how much weight should be given to the testimony of such witnesses? Gary Slapper, Professor of Law at The Open University, and Frances Gibb, Legal Editor of the Times, discuss whether jurors and expert witnesses are suited to roles they undertake.