---
title: "Justice Minister Open to Requiring Reasoned Jury Verdicts"
date: 2026-11-03T08:01:40.726+00:00
updated: 2026-11-03T08:01:40.726+00:00
topics: ["Politics", "Courts", "National"]
canonical: https://filqosor.com/article/2026-11-03/justice-minister-open-to-requiring-reasoned-jury-verdicts
source: Fil-Qosor
---

# Justice Minister Open to Requiring Reasoned Jury Verdicts

## In brief

- Justice Minister Clifton Grima indicated the government is open to requiring jurors to give reasons for verdicts.
- Grima confirmed that trial by jury should remain, but welcomed discussions on mixed benches of judges and jurors.
- The proposed reforms would alter Malta's legal tradition where juries deliver decisions without formal explanations.

Justice Minister Clifton Grima has stated that Malta should retain its jury trial system, while expressing openness to fundamental adjustments in how verdicts are delivered and assessed.

Speaking on potential judicial reforms, Grima indicated that the government is willing to consider obliging jurors to state the reasons behind their verdicts, moving away from the established practice of unreasoned decisions.

Under current Maltese criminal law, juries in the Criminal Court deliver a simple finding of guilt or acquittal without being required to document the factual or legal justifications underpinning their conclusion.

The minister also stated his willingness to engage in mature discussions regarding further structural changes, including the possibility of introducing mixed panels that combine professional judges with lay jurors.

Grima emphasised that while the mechanics of the process could be examined and updated, the core concept of trial by one's peers remains an essential element of the justice system that should be preserved.

Any transition toward reasoned verdicts or mixed benches would require legislative amendments to the Criminal Code alongside detailed consultations with the judiciary and legal stakeholders.

## The Spin Room

**Low media divide.** Both outlets reported the minister's remarks consistently without notable framing differences.

## Sources (2)

- [Times of Malta](https://timesofmalta.com/article/watch-the-jury-system-stay-justice-minister.1136532)
- [MaltaToday](https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/145443/justice_minister_clifton_grima_open_to_jurors_stating_reasons_behind_trial_verdicts)

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