Jury can question murder suspect [France]
http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/darwen/headlines/
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The French legal system differs to the English system in several ways. Trials at the Cour D’Assises are given a set amount of days in which to conclude. Sometimes this means that the court can sit through until around 9pm.
Once a jury has retired it cannot go home until a verdict is delivered.
Sentencing is immediate, unlike in England where the judge will adjourn the case to read the pre-sentencing reports. In France, this will have been done beforehand.
Lund will be defended by a barrister from a legal firm in Albi.
Lund will have met the main judge M. Richiardi, the Président of the Cour d’Assises, five days prior to the trial for an interview about his character and background.
The Président will co-ordinate the trial, which is due to begin on Monday, and will start by questioning Lund in the witness box. A cross examination of Lund will follow, before witnesses and experts give their evidence.
Unlike in an English court, the nine jurors can ask questions throughout the trial. Final speeches are made and the jury then retires.
