The Institute of Jury Trials: Current Challenges and Issues in Russian Criminal Proceedings

The institution of jurors is a crucial element of criminal proceedings, ensuring the realization of citizens' constitutional right to participate in the administration of justice. The subject of this research is the current state and prospects for the development of the institution of jurors in the Russian Federation. The aim of the study is to identify the main trends and problems associated with the functioning of the jury court, as well as to develop proposals for its improvement. To achieve this goal, the following key tasks are proposed: to analyze the changes in legislation regarding the jury court; to evaluate the practical application of criminal procedural law provisions in cases involving jurors; to identify and classify the main factors negatively affecting the objectivity and independence of verdicts; to formulate specific proposals for expanding the scope of application of the jury court, optimizing the jury selection process, and enhancing the effectiveness of this democratic institution in general. The methodological basis of the work includes general scientific and special methods, including dialectical, normative-legal, statistical, sociological, and forecasting methods. The novelty of the research lies in the comprehensive analysis of current issues of the jury institution, such as limited jurisdiction, media influence on decision-making, low levels of public trust, as well as resource and procedural difficulties. Key directions for improvement include expanding the list of cases subject to juries; introducing digital technologies into the process of forming jury panels; strengthening measures to protect jurors; increasing legal literacy among the population. Based on the analysis conducted, it is concluded that systematic changes are necessary to strengthen the role of the jury institution as a tool for democratizing justice. The practical significance of the work is determined by the possibility of applying its results in legislative activity aimed at modernizing criminal proceedings, as well as in law enforcement practice when forming jury panels and organizing their work.