Max. Jury Age Now To Be 75 !

[mikey4444]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-23763074

Not quite sure what problem is needed to be solved here ? Sitting on a Jury can be very onerous indeed, especially if its long complicated trial. Why should the over 70's be expected to put their lives on hold ? Don't they deserve to allowed to put their feet up and relax at last ?

[jake-the-peg]

If they don't want to it's not going to be difficult for them to 'show good reason' to be excused I think!

The idea is to be more inclusive - to have a better cross section on juries.

A cynic might say he's chasing the older voter with a measure that costs nothing here

[Peter Pedant]

Great idea!
Juries need a bit of old time wisdom in their decisions

and who would be better than someone like me ? !

[woofgang]

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Law/Question1268809.html

[naomi24]

At that age, it should be a choice. I'm sure some would love to do it and be very capable - others perhaps not.

[LazyGun]

One of the guys interviewed for the BBC on this issue made the interesting point that the older generations tend to be very down on the younger generations, and would that attitude therefore serve justice?

I can see it now - a jury where the older generation decide the defendant is guilty merely because his pants are showing above his jeans! ;)

More seriously, the fact is that we are hale and hearty for much longer nowadays, a trend set to continue unless we are all worked to death in the interim; For those currently over 75 who are reasonably fit in mind and body, I see no reason to exempt them from serving and discharging their civic duty.

[woofgang]

naomi, the beeb article on it, on the other thread says that after 70, it will be a choice. I think that once people are retired or semi retired and their children are likely to be grown, they will be more likely to be able to take on such responsibilities. I wouldn't exclude younger people though

[naomi24]

Woofgang, thanks. I didn't read that - but it sounds fair enough - and neither would I.

[youngmafbog]

Well I for one dont want to be lumbered with doing it. Someone is campaigning falsely on my behalf.

A cynic might also say that there is a cost cutting element here; no wages to pay out!