Under the British and Australian laws a jury in a criminal case has no access to information about the defendant’s past criminal record. This protects the person who is being accused of the crime. Some lawyers have suggested that this practice should be changed and that a jury should be given all the past facts before they reach their decision about the case.

In British and Australian criminal cases, the jury is not provided with information about the defendant's past criminal record. This is intended to safeguard the accused person's rights. However, some legal professionals argue that this practice should be altered, and that juries should have access to the defendant's prior criminal history. Both viewpoints have their merits, but I believe that the current practice should be maintained.

Those in favor of providing juries with information about the defendant's past criminal record argue that it could help them make a more informed decision. They believe that having access to this information could potentially influence the jury's understanding of the defendant's character and may aid in reaching a fair judgment. On the other hand, opponents argue that this could lead to unfair prejudice against the defendant, as jurors may be swayed by their prior criminal history rather than focusing solely on the evidence presented in the current case.

In my opinion, the current practice of not disclosing the defendant's past criminal record to the jury should be upheld. All individuals, regardless of their past actions, are entitled to a fair trial. Providing the jury with access to this information could lead to bias and unfair judgments, ultimately compromising the defendant's right to a fair trial. It is crucial for the jury to base their decision solely on the evidence presented in the current case, rather than being influenced by the defendant's past.

In conclusion, while some argue that juries should be provided with the defendant's past criminal record, I believe that the current practice of withholding this information is necessary to uphold the principles of fairness and justice in criminal trials. It is essential for the jury to focus on the evidence presented in the case at hand, rather than being swayed by the defendant's past actions.

Model Essay #2:

Under the British and Australian laws a jury in a criminal case has no access to information about the defendant’s past criminal record. This protects the person who is being accused of the crime. Some lawyers have suggested that this practice should be changed and that a jury should be given all the past facts before they reach their decision about the case.

In British and Australian criminal cases, the jury is not provided with information about the defendant's past criminal record. Some legal professionals argue that this practice should be changed, and that juries should have access to the defendant's prior criminal history. While there are valid reasons for maintaining the current practice, I believe that providing juries with the defendant's past criminal record is necessary for making well-informed decisions.

Those in favor of providing juries with information about the defendant's past criminal record argue that it could help them make a more informed decision. They contend that having access to this information could provide valuable insights into the defendant's character and may aid in reaching a fair judgment. Additionally, knowledge of the defendant's previous criminal behavior could help the jury assess the likelihood of the defendant committing the crime in question.

On the other hand, opponents argue that disclosing the defendant's past criminal record could lead to unfair prejudice against the defendant, potentially influencing the jury's decision based on irrelevant factors. They maintain that the current practice of protecting the accused person from biased judgments should be upheld to ensure a fair trial.

In my opinion, providing the jury with access to the defendant's past criminal record is crucial in making well-informed decisions. While there is a risk of potential prejudice, the benefits of having a comprehensive understanding of the defendant's background outweigh the risks. Knowledge of the defendant's past criminal behavior can provide valuable context and aid in reaching a fair and just verdict.

In conclusion, while there are concerns about potential prejudice, providing juries with information about the defendant's past criminal record is essential for ensuring fair and well-informed decisions. Understanding the defendant's past actions can provide valuable insights that are crucial in reaching a just verdict in criminal cases.

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