Pale Rider
Veteran
I don't disagree about their preferences but the process should aim to provide a just outcome rather than administrative convenience for practitioners.
That's true, but the jury is tasked with finding a defendant guilty or not guilty.
Saying 'we can't decide' is a cop out.
As the jury are told by the judge: "You need to be satisfied so you are sure to return a guilty verdict, nothing less will do."
If they are not satisfied so they are sure, it's not guilty.
The majority direction means a verdict upon at least 10 are agreed will do.
I suppose there could be a situation in which three or more jurors are firmly at odds with the rest, but I've seen the number of hung juries rise over the years, so I reserve the right for the occasional mini rant.