Jury service

mr_stripey

EssexHebridean said:

mr_stripey said:

As an aside, and knowing this site is well known for it's advice on parking tickets - at the end of my first day on the jury, we were listening to the somewhat upsetting testimony from the victim in an unpleasant case. The Judge was keen that the witness should try and get her spell in the witness box completed that afternoon (rather than coming back the next day) and asked the jury if we would mind staying late to allow this. No one on the jury objected but one lady said she had only paid for parking until 5pm and was worried she might get a ticket. 

The Judge simply replied "if you get a ticket, you bring it to me and I will make it vanish"

Well played sir, I thought. 

The advice given on both occasions I have served was to pay for a full day's parking, and that this would be reimbursed under allowable expenses.  that may not be possible everywhere though. The second time I served, it was necessary to apply for permission to claim expenses for travelling by car, however - it was granted straight away for me as the bus journey time would have been at least three times that taken in a car, and so was deemed impractical. 

yes, I found the expenses process to be very flexible. The expenses clerk was reasonable and didn't seem to quibble over things at all. We also got a payment card loaded with about £6 a day for lunch - there was a small cafeteria for the jurors. One of our number was a student and he made a point of bringing his own lunch in and not spending the "lunch money". At the end of the two weeks, they gave him his unspent lunch money in cash!

Plasticman

On my first day of jury service I got a case that ran for nearly 4 weeks. Really good set of people on the jury and we managed to have a few laughs despite the unpleasant nature of the case. My wife spent two weeks with two cases that both lasted less than one day before the jury was discharged. Very different experiences! 

diystarter7

MalMonroe said:

Rtj123 said:

Apologies if this is in the wrong section, didn’t know the best place to post it.

I’m currently on jury service. I went for one morning where 12 people were chosen for a jury. The other 10 have been sent away and told to ring a number later in the week for instructions?

On my form before a jury was decided, Ithad a box where it said to write any reasons for the judge to consider you not to be part of the jury. I have a breathing problem which gets worse when I’m nervous. I stated I am nervous going into court.


Are they likely to take this into consideration for when I have to call later in the week? And is it likely the other 10 people will be asked

Hi, I always used to think that jury service was compulsory but if you do have any problems, especially health, they are quite happy to consider requests to be excused.

I was once called up for jury service to start on the very same day I started a new job. I actually went down to the court the day after I received the notification and spoke to one of the members of staff there. I was excused. I was amazed, as I thought I'd be told I had to attend no matter what.

A few years after that I was called to be a member of a panel at an inquest but I felt I would not be able to cope with it mentally at that time. I phoned and explained my health worries and I was excused from that, too. 

I always thought it would be a good experience and I've had friends who have done it but for me both requests were at very inconvenient and stressful times. Maybe third time lucky? 

You should definitely mention your health situation and be honest about your concerns. As for the other jurors, nobody knows what they will say or be told. 

Hi

A great and very helpful post

Re jury service as most are aware, it is a criminal offence to not answer a jury summons without reasonable cause.

The good thing as pointed out here by the above and me earlier, you can give excuses and I've not met anyone yet who forced to attend other than have a one-off, few minutes or less meeting with the person/s in charge.

OP, tell them re your problems I'm sure they will sort it out

OP, and don't worry they have many jurors on standby and you telling them how you are, I'm sure it will be ok.

Good luck

Rtj123

diystarter7 said:

MalMonroe said:

Rtj123 said:

Apologies if this is in the wrong section, didn’t know the best place to post it.

I’m currently on jury service. I went for one morning where 12 people were chosen for a jury. The other 10 have been sent away and told to ring a number later in the week for instructions?

On my form before a jury was decided, Ithad a box where it said to write any reasons for the judge to consider you not to be part of the jury. I have a breathing problem which gets worse when I’m nervous. I stated I am nervous going into court.


Are they likely to take this into consideration for when I have to call later in the week? And is it likely the other 10 people will be asked

Hi, I always used to think that jury service was compulsory but if you do have any problems, especially health, they are quite happy to consider requests to be excused.

I was once called up for jury service to start on the very same day I started a new job. I actually went down to the court the day after I received the notification and spoke to one of the members of staff there. I was excused. I was amazed, as I thought I'd be told I had to attend no matter what.

A few years after that I was called to be a member of a panel at an inquest but I felt I would not be able to cope with it mentally at that time. I phoned and explained my health worries and I was excused from that, too. 

I always thought it would be a good experience and I've had friends who have done it but for me both requests were at very inconvenient and stressful times. Maybe third time lucky? 

You should definitely mention your health situation and be honest about your concerns. As for the other jurors, nobody knows what they will say or be told. 

Hi

A great and very helpful post

Re jury service as most are aware, it is a criminal offence to not answer a jury summons without reasonable cause.

The good thing as pointed out here by the above and me earlier, you can give excuses and I've not met anyone yet who forced to attend other than have a one-off, few minutes or less meeting with the person/s in charge.

OP, tell them re your problems I'm sure they will sort it out

OP, and don't worry they have many jurors on standby and you telling them how you are, I'm sure it will be ok.

Good luck

Thanks. When I was given the questionnaire on Monday, I was asked if I knew any specific people names in the case and a box at the bottom where I could write down any other reasons why I shouldn’t be picked for jury.
I put down about my anxiety and breathing problems and also I’m self employed and finding it difficult to arrange work.

I have to phone an automated line later today (after 5pm) which isn’t helpful as I still cannot plan work! Do you think they would have taken into consideration what I wrote on the questionnaire and ‘logged’ it or when the case finishes (expected today hence why we have to ring later today) that it will all start from scratch again? The jury usher did read my comments and just said ‘ok, thankyou’ 

olgadapolga

Rtj123 said:

diystarter7 said:

MalMonroe said:

Rtj123 said:

Apologies if this is in the wrong section, didn’t know the best place to post it.

I’m currently on jury service. I went for one morning where 12 people were chosen for a jury. The other 10 have been sent away and told to ring a number later in the week for instructions?

On my form before a jury was decided, Ithad a box where it said to write any reasons for the judge to consider you not to be part of the jury. I have a breathing problem which gets worse when I’m nervous. I stated I am nervous going into court.


Are they likely to take this into consideration for when I have to call later in the week? And is it likely the other 10 people will be asked

Hi, I always used to think that jury service was compulsory but if you do have any problems, especially health, they are quite happy to consider requests to be excused.

I was once called up for jury service to start on the very same day I started a new job. I actually went down to the court the day after I received the notification and spoke to one of the members of staff there. I was excused. I was amazed, as I thought I'd be told I had to attend no matter what.

A few years after that I was called to be a member of a panel at an inquest but I felt I would not be able to cope with it mentally at that time. I phoned and explained my health worries and I was excused from that, too. 

I always thought it would be a good experience and I've had friends who have done it but for me both requests were at very inconvenient and stressful times. Maybe third time lucky? 

You should definitely mention your health situation and be honest about your concerns. As for the other jurors, nobody knows what they will say or be told. 

Hi

A great and very helpful post

Re jury service as most are aware, it is a criminal offence to not answer a jury summons without reasonable cause.

The good thing as pointed out here by the above and me earlier, you can give excuses and I've not met anyone yet who forced to attend other than have a one-off, few minutes or less meeting with the person/s in charge.

OP, tell them re your problems I'm sure they will sort it out

OP, and don't worry they have many jurors on standby and you telling them how you are, I'm sure it will be ok.

Good luck

Thanks. When I was given the questionnaire on Monday, I was asked if I knew any specific people names in the case and a box at the bottom where I could write down any other reasons why I shouldn’t be picked for jury.
I put down about my anxiety and breathing problems and also I’m self employed and finding it difficult to arrange work.

I have to phone an automated line later today (after 5pm) which isn’t helpful as I still cannot plan work! Do you think they would have taken into consideration what I wrote on the questionnaire and ‘logged’ it or when the case finishes (expected today hence why we have to ring later today) that it will all start from scratch again? The jury usher did read my comments and just said ‘ok, thankyou’ 

My DH was excused after the first day, not sure of the details but something to do with being self-employed. I think that the clerk felt sorry for him as it would have impacted him more financially than the other employees who were in his pool. I believe that DH was initially selected into a case on the first day but the defendant changed their plea to guilty so he then wasn't needed. They sent him home and told him not to come back.

Rtj123

olgadapolga said:

My DH was excused after the first day, not sure of the details but something to do with being self-employed. I think that the clerk felt sorry for him as it would have impacted him more financially than the other employees who were in his pool. I believe that DH was initially selected into a case on the first day but the defendant changed their plea to guilty so he then wasn't needed. They sent him home and told him not to come back.

Thanks. I haven’t been excused as far as I know. When I left on Monday I was given a slip of paper on told to ring the number after 5pm on Wednesday (today) I’ve done so and it stated that all jurors aren’t needed for Thursday but I need to ring a agin Thursday evening..

Has anyone ever started on a case on a Friday? Just working out the probability that a new jury will be selected on Friday for a trial?

goater78

TimSynths said:

goater78 said:

Someone I know went to jury service and ended up being on a trial for 12 months. I wouldn’t mind doing a two week stint but couldn’t handle a whole year. 

The judge will make sure you are available if it is to be a long trial, no one randomly ends up on one.

My trial lasted 7 days in Brighton, the following day we went to Lewes crown court, I had a look around the castle next door, didn't get picked for the next trial but a court official gave me a tour of the court including the onsite mini museum and a walk along the corridor the condemn would take- fascinating to be in a building so old life and death decisions were made.

Overall it was a great experience, went to the pub after trial a few days, always went out for lunch, used to see the barrister in the train station, ive bumped into jurors years alter in Tesco and restaurants.

We debated all the facts given to us, made no rush decisions in the jury room, I cant think of a fairer way to conduct a trial than have 12 random people from all walks of life thrown together to hear the evidence and burden of proof. 

I also manage the work diary's of approx. 2000 colleagues and I would say at any one time we have 1-2 off doing Jury service.

What rules do they use to decide if you are available for a 12 month trial? My friends work weren’t happy with them taking a year off work so it is interesting if you say people volunteer for long trials. 

Gavin83

goater78 said:

TimSynths said:

goater78 said:

Someone I know went to jury service and ended up being on a trial for 12 months. I wouldn’t mind doing a two week stint but couldn’t handle a whole year. 

The judge will make sure you are available if it is to be a long trial, no one randomly ends up on one.

My trial lasted 7 days in Brighton, the following day we went to Lewes crown court, I had a look around the castle next door, didn't get picked for the next trial but a court official gave me a tour of the court including the onsite mini museum and a walk along the corridor the condemn would take- fascinating to be in a building so old life and death decisions were made.

Overall it was a great experience, went to the pub after trial a few days, always went out for lunch, used to see the barrister in the train station, ive bumped into jurors years alter in Tesco and restaurants.

We debated all the facts given to us, made no rush decisions in the jury room, I cant think of a fairer way to conduct a trial than have 12 random people from all walks of life thrown together to hear the evidence and burden of proof. 

I also manage the work diary's of approx. 2000 colleagues and I would say at any one time we have 1-2 off doing Jury service.

What rules do they use to decide if you are available for a 12 month trial? My friends work weren’t happy with them taking a year off work so it is interesting if you say people volunteer for long trials. 

I'm not sure many peoples work would be happy with that in all honesty! I really have no idea why anyone would volunteer for such a trial whatever your personal circumstances.

A question for those who have done jury service. I'm gathering they assign you a court to do it in. Is this always the local court to you? I'm assuming you wouldn't be expected to serve on the other side of the country for example.

baser999

goater78 said:

TimSynths said:

goater78 said:

Someone I know went to jury service and ended up being on a trial for 12 months. I wouldn’t mind doing a two week stint but couldn’t handle a whole year. 

The judge will make sure you are available if it is to be a long trial, no one randomly ends up on one.

My trial lasted 7 days in Brighton, the following day we went to Lewes crown court, I had a look around the castle next door, didn't get picked for the next trial but a court official gave me a tour of the court including the onsite mini museum and a walk along the corridor the condemn would take- fascinating to be in a building so old life and death decisions were made.

Overall it was a great experience, went to the pub after trial a few days, always went out for lunch, used to see the barrister in the train station, ive bumped into jurors years alter in Tesco and restaurants.

We debated all the facts given to us, made no rush decisions in the jury room, I cant think of a fairer way to conduct a trial than have 12 random people from all walks of life thrown together to hear the evidence and burden of proof. 

I also manage the work diary's of approx. 2000 colleagues and I would say at any one time we have 1-2 off doing Jury service.

What rules do they use to decide if you are available for a 12 month trial? My friends work weren’t happy with them taking a year off work so it is interesting if you say people volunteer for long trials. 

As I said in an earlier post, as we were nearing the end of our stint at the Old Bailey officials asked if there were any jurors willing to volunteer for a very long case that was due to start the following week. There were some that put their names down - retired, unemployed 

Plasticman

Gavin83 said:

goater78 said:

TimSynths said:

goater78 said:

Someone I know went to jury service and ended up being on a trial for 12 months. I wouldn’t mind doing a two week stint but couldn’t handle a whole year. 

The judge will make sure you are available if it is to be a long trial, no one randomly ends up on one.

My trial lasted 7 days in Brighton, the following day we went to Lewes crown court, I had a look around the castle next door, didn't get picked for the next trial but a court official gave me a tour of the court including the onsite mini museum and a walk along the corridor the condemn would take- fascinating to be in a building so old life and death decisions were made.

Overall it was a great experience, went to the pub after trial a few days, always went out for lunch, used to see the barrister in the train station, ive bumped into jurors years alter in Tesco and restaurants.

We debated all the facts given to us, made no rush decisions in the jury room, I cant think of a fairer way to conduct a trial than have 12 random people from all walks of life thrown together to hear the evidence and burden of proof. 

I also manage the work diary's of approx. 2000 colleagues and I would say at any one time we have 1-2 off doing Jury service.

What rules do they use to decide if you are available for a 12 month trial? My friends work weren’t happy with them taking a year off work so it is interesting if you say people volunteer for long trials. 

I'm not sure many peoples work would be happy with that in all honesty! I really have no idea why anyone would volunteer for such a trial whatever your personal circumstances.

A question for those who have done jury service. I'm gathering they assign you a court to do it in. Is this always the local court to you? I'm assuming you wouldn't be expected to serve on the other side of the country for example.

Everybody I know has had theirs in the local area. Not necessarily the closest though. I have a court within walking distance but had to go to one 8 miles away.