Professor of Law Kevin Aquilina has called for the government to establish a commission to undertake an in-depth review of Malta's jury system, arguing that it has become increasingly complex and difficult to manage.

In an opinion piece being published in The Malta Independent on Sunday today, Prof. Aquilina questions whether the jury system remains relevant in its present form, pointing to the lack of formal training for jurors, the complexity of modern trials and the lengthy periods during which jurors can be required to remain separated from their families and the outside world.

The opinion piece is written as the trial by jury of Yorgen Fenech, accused of complicity in the wilful homicide of Daphne Caruana Galizia and criminal association to commit the murder, is now in its seventh week.

Aquilina describes the legal status of jurors in particularly stark terms, arguing that they are effectively "kidnapped by the state" and detained without trial for a period determined by the court.

Aquilina also strongly criticises the remuneration paid to jurors. He notes that current fees range from €10 to €40 per day, depending on the juror's circumstances and the length of the trial, arguing that this is inadequate.