The Verkhovna Rada supported in the first reading the draft law on the introduction of jury trials in Ukraine. About this reported people’s deputy Oleksiy Goncharenko, noting that the initiative was supported by 232 parliamentarians.
The draft law provides for the creation of a jury trial as a form of direct implementation of the people’s right to justice enshrined in the Constitution of Ukraine. This court will hear criminal cases in the first instance.
The jury will consist of a professional judge and a Jury. A professional judge will preside over the hearing, but will not take part in the verdict. The jury, which consists of eight people, will be formed by automated random selection among citizens of Ukraine who permanently reside in the relevant judicial district.
The role of the jury is to deliver a verdict based on the results of the trial. At the same time, the participation of citizens in the work of the jury is considered not only a right, but also a constitutional duty. Each juror is involved in the consideration of only one court case, and his authority is valid for the entire period of consideration of this case. Adoption of this draft law will be an important step in reforming the judicial system of Ukraine.
