The first-ever jury trial in the country opened at the Daegu District Court in the southeastern city, with 12 jurors sitting in the case of a man charged with robbery and assault, it said.

'We hope this new system will help enhance people's trust in court decisions by allowing people, from whom all the sovereignty emanates, to directly participate in trials,' Supreme Court spokesman Judge Bae Hyeon-Tae said.

Critics have said South Korea's courts are too reliant on the decisions of judges, who play a dual role, acting as the jury and handing down sentences.

Under the new system, the accused involved in certain criminal cases including murders, robbery-rape and graft cases, has the option to call for a trial before jurors.

But, unlike in other countries, a South Korean jury's verdict is not binding. Jurors can also suggest a sentence but that also is not binding.

However, experts say jury's verdicts and suggestions are expected to have a strong influence on court decisions. -- AFP