Russia is reforming its jury trial system, effectively removing what critics describe as some of its remaining elements of independence. The number of jurors is set to be reduced from six to eight people to four, the presiding judge would become part of the panel, and the current upper age limit of 65 for jurors would be abolished.
The authorities explain the proposed changes as necessary to “increase citizens’ motivation” to serve as jurors and reduce the number of cases in which acquittals are subsequently overturned.
However, statistics illustrate why jury trials have become problematic for the Russian judicial system. Before the reform, juries acquitted defendants in 15–30% of cases. Professional judges, by comparison, issue acquittals in approximately 0.2% of cases.
In effect, the Kremlin is changing the rules in one of the few areas where defendants could still have a meaningful chance of acquittal. The Russian authorities appear to be seeking control not only over court decisions but also over the mechanism through which those decisions are reached.
This corresponds with another trend — growing support within the Russian authorities for imposing criminal penalties on minors at an earlier age.
According to a Kremlin-aligned public opinion research centre, 40% of respondents believe criminal responsibility should begin at the age of 14. Another 20% said the threshold should be 12 or younger. The average age given by respondents was 14.3 years. Only around one in nine supported raising the age of criminal responsibility to 18.
In June, the head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, Alexander Bastrykin, proposed allowing children as young as 12 to be imprisoned, as well as holding their parents legally responsible.
A system is therefore taking shape in which punishment could be imposed earlier while opportunities for acquittal are reduced. The Kremlin is simultaneously changing the rules governing jury trials and supporting tougher punishment for minors. Both developments strengthen the state’s repressive apparatus and further restrict basic freedoms in Russia.
