Russia's jury reform draws fire for handing verdicts back to the state

Russia's Supreme Court is preparing legislation that would allow presiding judges to enter the deliberation room while a jury discusses its verdict and would reduce jury panels from six or eight members to four — changes that could greatly consolidate decision-making power in the hands of state-appointed officials. Deputy Chair of the Supreme Court Nikolai Timoshin and Supreme Court judge Sergei Zelenin have outlined the main provisions of the planned reform, although the draft law has not yet been published. Under the proposals, the presiding judge would not be permitted to vote on a defendant's guilt but would be entitled to "clarify" questions arising during deliberations.