Jury Duty

[2sp_]

I've just had a letter calling me for jury duty (Scotland).

Can anyone give me a few tips about what I can expect to happen?

Never been to court before.

[quizbag]

I was called to jury duty in Wales. It involved a lot of sitting around so take a good book. I was only called for one case during the week and that one was thrown out when the witness refused to give evidence against the guy accused of assaulting her. Everything is explained clearly to you so be prepared for anything. I found the court room itself quite intimidating at first.

[bert_h]

There will be about forty or fifty of you for the week. Names are drawn from a hat at the start of each case. If called, then as you walk forward, either counsel may say "no" without any reason, and you go back (until the next case). Each counsel is allowed three "noes". Dressing to look rather upper-crust increases the chance of defence counsel using one of his "noes" on you.

After the case starts, the judge tells all those who have not been called when to come back to be ready for the next case. Maybe after lunch, maybe tomorrow morning, maybe three days, whatever.

I've been on duty twice, and called to the jury once.

[2sp_]

Thanks for your answers. I've never been to court for any reason before, so I'm a bit nervous about it all.

Better try and get someone to watch the kids I suppose, doubt they will let them in too!

[New Judge]

You will not be challenged and possibly rejected for no reason. The right of peremptory challenge was abolished altogether in England and Wales by the Criminal Justice Act 1988. Scotland followed in 1995 and Northern Ireland fell into line in 2007.

You may be challenged “for cause” (i.e. if it is suspected that you have a connection with any of the parties involved or if it is suspected that you may exhibit unreasonable prejudice one way or the other). However this is extremely rare.

[Peter Pedant]

Turn up
you will be OK

juries take their duties seriously - I am always surprised how they seem to latch on to what really happened.

[2sp_]

I think it's the responsibility of it all that worries me the most. If I do get picked, and make the wrong decision...

[tonyav]

Don't worry about it, 2sp_, it's straight forward honestly. When I did it I got picked for two cases, I found it to be pretty interesting.

[Peter Pedant]

it is a responsibility
and I am sure you will take it seriously

[Canary42]

Just use your common sense - you won't "make the wrong decision".

Mind you, don't agree to be foreman, I did on the first case I was on and because I took it very seriously it was quite a nightmare getting a unanimous verdict. We got a verdict (show of hands) but then, to make absolutely certain I went round the table asking each juror in turn - two jurors then started to waver. I still would do the same again however, but don't expect to be called a third time.

[2sp_]

Thanks everyone.

[ladyalex]

I've had the letter twice and lordalex has ahd it once.
Neither of us had to attend court at all.
We had a number to ring in the afternoon/evening and were told we would not be required.
So you may be worrying for nothing.
I also have a couple of friends who were called and had to go.
Both enjoyed the experience and found it interesting.
If you are bothered about the court room experience you can go and sit in on a case if you have the time.
It isn't like TV court room dramas, more like lawyers and officials doing their everyday work....often looking a bit bored.
Might relieve you a bit.
Remember also, in Scotland, there will be another 14 people taking the decision with you.
Good luck!

[grasscarp]

You mention you have children. When I did jury service many years ago, I remember they paid for a babysitter for my young child.

[EDDIE51]

I was called for jury service but just had to phone the court every day at 4pm to see if I was needed to attend the next day, I never had to actually go and on the Friday was told I would not be needed after all and didn't have to phone again.