Burden of

I'm not familiar with the idea of lay judges, so it's hard to tell you.

Thanks, Barb.

The lay judge system was recently introduced in Japan, referring to the jury system in the U.S. Citizens chosen as lay judges must sentence a defendant with professional judges. The first capital-punishment case of this system was controversial because they did not hand down the death penalty, contrary to the most public opinion .

I think my problem with your sentence, then, is with articles.

Are you talking about these specific six people and their specific decision, or the idea of six people in general?

Thanks, Barb.

It is a specific case. Is it still okay?

These six citizens had a big burden, making the decision as lay judges. -- past, it's over.
These six citizens have the big burden of making the decision as lay judges. -- current

Making the decision as lay judges is/was a big burden for these six citizens.

Wonderful!
Thanks, Barb.

So the jury concept is new in Japan?

I've never been on a civilian jury but I've had the equivalent experience when I was in the Navy. It is a big responsibility.

Quite new. We should learn from you, Barb.