Issues if jury duty runs for longer than two weeks

thegreatviceroy

Hi,

I hope this is the right place to post. I was summoned for jury duty about two weeks ago, checked my calendar, and confirmed. I live in the UK.

I am now in the awkward position of being offered some one-off work by an agency for a short period of time, but this a would begin 18 days after my first jury duty date. The pay for this one-off is very good and I could really use it, as I am not currently employed, aside from occasional work with aforementioned agency. An additional complication is that this work would be abroad, and the agency would be paying for my travel.

What’s the best I can do here? I’m aware most jury services last for two weeks. If I accept the work and it turns out the trial is expected to last longer than two weeks, what position can the employer take, if tickets have been booked?

Any advice welcome!

Dox

Write and ask if you can be excused jury service this time (i.e. make it clear you are prepared to attend if called again) and set out clearly and concisely your reasons for making the request. Provide evidence (e.g. e-mails from the agency) and stress that because you are not employed at present the money you would earn would be of great benefit - or words to that effect, without overdoing it.

thegreatviceroy

Dox wrote: »

...

Ah I see, so I can apply to defer even after having confirmed myself for the service?

ohreally

Comment that the defendants look guilty, you will be excused immediately.

System

thegreatviceroy wrote: »

Hi,

I hope this is the right place to post. I was summoned for jury duty about two weeks ago, checked my calendar, and confirmed. I live in the UK.

I am now in the awkward position of being offered some one-off work by an agency for a short period of time, but this a would begin 18 days after my first jury duty date. The pay for this one-off is very good and I could really use it, as I am not currently employed, aside from occasional work with aforementioned agency. An additional complication is that this work would be abroad, and the agency would be paying for my travel.

What’s the best I can do here? I’m aware most jury services last for two weeks. If I accept the work and it turns out the trial is expected to last longer than two weeks, what position can the employer take, if tickets have been booked?

Any advice welcome!

I've done Jury Service twice. If they think a case will go on longer than two weeks, they ask you IF you can do this. If not, they give to those who can and you get set aside for another case. At my court they had two groups of 15. Out of the 30, they can usually find 15 who can stay longer and of course only 12 of that 12 actually get chosen.


In most cases, cases last a maximum of two days and most of the time they pleaded guilty just before court started!

ReadingTim

See note 3 of this:

"If a trial is likely to last longer you will be asked at the court if this will be difficult for you. You may be asked to provide proof of your difficulty. The court will try to meet your requirements as far as is practicable."

(my emphasis)

Marvel1

Mine lasted 2 days, waste of time, all day in the waiting rooms and the defendants changed their plea last minute - !!!!!!!s!

stripeyfox

When I did jury service a few years ago, most of the cases are only a few days (at most). There was one case starting which was expected to last 4 - 5 weeks and they asked for jury members who would be able to commit to this.

There are no guarantees, but it is not likely you will need to serve longer than the two weeks.

As an aside, I was really nervous about it, but it was great experience. Met loads of nice people on my jury and remained in touch afterwards. Would love to do it again

shortcrust

ohreally wrote: »

Comment that the defendants look guilty, you will be excused immediately.

Keep muttering “there’s no smoke without fire!”.

pinkshoes

The court will ask you if you are unable to be on a jury if the case would be over 2 weeks. Just take the paper work with you showing you will need to be working abroad.

They have LOTS of jurors brought into court then 12 are selected for each case. I did a 3 week murder trial and the first two jurors called knew one of the witnesses so couldn't be on the jury for that case.