Blood, Alcohol and Tears: Juries Again Ponder the Depths of the Russian Soul

Abstract

This article briefly discusses the history of the jury trial in the Soviet Union and the recent reform reinstating trial by jury in Russia. It focuses on specific case studies regarding Russian jury trials under the new system. The author personally observed many of the first jury trials from December 1993 to October 1994 and comprehensively studied the Russian jury reform through observations, interviews with judges and lawyers, and review of case files.