Jury Service

C_Mababejive

Gemmy wrote: »

Thanks August, is it quite iregular to be in court for less than 4 hours - because that would be the only problem - over 4 hours would be abosolutley fine.

Also my worry is, i'm only 20. I feel as if i'm quite young to do this and understand its an important job to have. Or maybe if no-one will listen to me.

Dont worry about it. Jurys are meant to be made up of a cross section of the public so just be yourself. Believe me,you will find the full range from people who want to be in charge and steer the judgement their way to others who dont say a word and dont want to be there.

Just listen carefully in court,take plenty of notes,think a lot about what you witness and dont make up your mind until the very end. Also dont be swayed by more assertive characters.

C_Mababejive

Gemmy wrote: »

I'm going to speak to work today (i start work at 3). Is is iregular for jury service to last less than 4 hours?

You will usually be there in full day blocks. The only time there may be an early dart is on the Friday. Sometimes you can get retained until the following week if your mid trial. If your really really unlucky,you might find yourself spending a week in the jury lounge and not get picked for a trial !

pebblespop

when i did jury service i got the full allowance from the court and work deducted what the court paid me when i got my wage to top it up to my normal salary.

i ended up being quids in as they pay you travel and food allowances i didn't spend as much as they gave me and had about £100 by the end of the two weeks.

Janepig

I used to be exempt but when the rules changed afew years ago I became eligible, worst luck. I'd hate to do it. At least I get to leave Court when I want to (provided I'm not needed obviously), because it's both interesting and deadly boring. I'd probably be chucked off a Jury for nodding off - two of my colleagues have fallen asleep in Court (my boss fell off his chair ) and I've seen solicitors do so! My worst nightmare though would be having to sit through something really harrowing.

Anyways, none of this particularly helps the OP, but I would advise the taking of lots of magazines/books and an ipod or DS or some similar distraction as there may well be alot of waiting around and doing nothing. Also beware of the domineering personalities on the Jury with you who may wish to "bully" you into a verdict against your wishes. I've known people do jury service with others who just want to get a verdict in asap so they can go home.

Jxx

Lara44

I did it quite recently and a lot of the cases we were called up for were cancelled. Out of 8 days of service I sat for 1.5. You might want to see if your employer has a laptop and some work you can do from there. I worked throughout as did a few others. It's deadly boring so bring something to to do, a book, game, or something crafty. I would also bring snacks (as the snacks were naff at our place) and you're not allowed out until lunch. I was surprised at the range of people and they were all friendly. One group had sat on a 10-month case, they were practically family!