Jury Service.

EmmaLauren_2 · 28 October 2012 at 1:35PM

I was called up for Jury Service, for October this year, although I got it deferred as I am in university living away from home couldn't make it.
My new date is July 2013, so I thought I'd be living at home again, although I have recently been offered to go to Australia for 3 months this summer June-August, and it is something I really want to do and this opportunity may be a once in a lifetime and I don't want to say no just because of a week in July where I have to do jury service.
Could I be excused or deferred again? Or is that it and I have to do it?

Poppie68 · 28 October 2012 at 1:52PM

You can only defer once in a 12 month period. I dont think they would except your trip as a legitimate reason for not being able to attend a second time.

pmlindyloo · 28 October 2012 at 2:22PM

Yes, you can only defer once.

See here:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/law_e/faq_index_legal_matters/faq_legal_matters_postponing_jury_service.htm

missile · 28 October 2012 at 2:27PM

I was once called up for jury service and re-arranged my holiday plans. The day before I was informed that I was not required.

I have been advised to go to Doctor say you are so stressed about the prospect you cannot sleep etc and get a doctors note. This may be an urban myth? If I am called again, I will try anything to avoid my "civic duty".

I would not forgoe the trip of a lifetime on the off chance I may be called.

missile · 28 October 2012 at 2:32PM

As a last resort, I would pay the £1000 fine.

Once your jury service is confirmed, you must turn up on the agreed start date. If you don’t, you could be fined £1,000.
How long jury service lasts

Jury service usually lasts for up to 10 working days - but can be longer.
Many trials last only 2 or 3 days, so you may be on a jury for another trial.

McKneff · 28 October 2012 at 2:37PM

The easiest thing by far is just ring them and ask.

Take_it_like_a_man,_sonny · 28 October 2012 at 2:46PM

I deferred my jury service when at university in 1999. They deferred til July and I was called up very quickly. Some other did not bother to turn up, got hauled before his lordship and walloped with the fine. As he was the high court, he told them where they could appeal his decision, the House of Lords. Needless to say, they were dismissed. Us, we hung our guilty one, got fed and watered for five days. His Lordship was a smoker, so each sitting lasted about forty minutes until fag break.

pimento · 28 October 2012 at 3:55PM

I must be the only person in the country eligible to do jury service who would love to do it and has never been called.

Tigsteroonie · 28 October 2012 at 3:59PM

pimento wrote: »

I must be the only person in the country eligible to do jury service who would love to do it and has never been called.

Nope, me too. I think it'd be an interesting experience ... but I never get that letter.

Poppie68 · 28 October 2012 at 4:26PM

missile wrote: »

As a last resort, I would pay the £1000 fine.

Yep great idea just dont turn up to a mandatory order from the British Justice system, then find yourself in front of a judge yourself to explain why you never turned up and recieve a £1000 fine.

The fine is for a no show, not a get out clause.

nikki1520 · 28 October 2012 at 4:35PM

and please remember the guy who said he was sick so couldn't go, who actually went to the theatre with his mum - he got a custodial sentance. Phone and ask!!

Jury Service.

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