Why can a judge not direct a jury to return a guilty verdict in a criminal case?

In the context of Anglo-American law, a judge cannot direct a guilty verdict in a criminal trial because the jury system is designed to maintain a clear division of functions between the presiding judge and the laypersons serving as jurors.12

While a judge supervises the trial, determines the admissibility of evidence, and instructs the jury on the applicable law, the jurors remain autonomous in their role as the finders of fact. This autonomy is a fundamental protection for the defendant; while a judge may withdraw an issue from the jury to direct an acquittal if there is no factual issue to resolve, they lack the authority to compel a conviction. This structure ensures that the power to determine guilt or innocence remains with the jury, upholding the principle that the jury's role in rendering a verdict is independent of the judge's oversight.12