I would assume that the lay judges are there to keep the professional judge's feet on the ground. Their opinions are non-binding, but would in theory have at le

I would assume that the lay judges are there to keep the professional judge's feet on the ground. Their opinions are non-binding, but would in theory have at least some influence, and provide a reality check with what the greater population thinks. How that actually works out in practice, I don't know. A study would be useful.