Bias in jury trials

Jurors may be swayed by sympathy or prejudice and, in extreme cases, public hysteria is true of all jury trial but in small jurisdictions, such as small island nations, it is more liable to occur and is difficult to prevent. Impartiality of juries may be against the accused or be too ready to acquit. Jurors may know each other or be related and be embarrassed to oppose each other. Jurors may be biased against a foreigner, whether as the accused or as the victim of a crime. Changes of venue are not always possible and are frequently unreasonably expensive. Delays in trials long enough to diminish prejudice may lead to violations of human rights.