How can I get out of Jury service ? Scotland.

[Nathalie1975]

I am in Scotland. I have been summoned for jury service at the High court on 15/8. Any other time I would be happy to do it but that day is my DD(5) first day at school. I would be very sad to miss it and she is anxious about it and I want to be there to support her. But the main problem is that for the first 3 days of school she is only staying at school for a short time (1 hour the 1st day, 2 hours the second day ...) and I do not have anyone to look after her the rest of the day. I will ask to be excused but I am worried it will not be considered a valid reason. Anyone with any experience of requesting excusal from Jury service in Scotland ?

[ScottishDiblet]

Hello it sounds like you need to defer it and that you have a good reason. Does the letter have an email address or phone number? I would contact the jury service and give your reasons and they will usually try to accommodate you (based on English experience). Good luck to DD.

[Aurea]

I managed to defer in Scotland as I was breastfeeding at the time. I just gave them my reasons. They will call you back within a five year period so you don't get out of it completely.

[Plexie]

//www.scotcourts.gov.uk/coming-to-court/jurors

You have to fill in part 3 of some form and provide evidence (I imagine a letter from the school with the attendance instructions will suffice).

[pascalpascal]

You should be able to defer fairly easily, but will have to do the jury service within the next few months.

[Otterseatpuffinsdontthey]

I did this recently. You should have the contact details on the Jury Citation - polite e-mail to them and explain reason for excusal. My excusal was granted, and I also requested their response in writing. Don't know if it's relevant, but mine's was Sheriff not High Court (Scotland).
Big day for you & your daughter - hope you are successful

[Nathalie1975]

Thank you for the replies. I will call them on Monday and fill the form to request excusal. I have a letter from the school with the schedule for the first 3 days. Hopefully that will be enough.

[ManicStreetTeacher]

I realise that I'm jinxing myself in this reply...

I've been excused in Scotland 4 times - mat. leaves and "it really will be massively inconvenient for my pupils at exam time (teacher)" and it has worked each time.

Stress that you are the only adult available to take your child to school and that no one else can pick them up for the half day nonsense that some local authorities still peddle. Good luck!

[Nathalie1975]

I am feeling more optimistic now reading your replies. I was convinced my reasons would be dismissed right away.

[strawberrie]

You are likely to be granted deferral on that basis.

I was excused from High Court last year on the basis of being childcare for my (school aged) Children.

[Nathalie1975]

Thanks strawberrie. That's what I wanted to know !

[Allyg1185]

Can your letter not "accidently" find its way into the shredder .....what letter?? I never recieved a letter......

[Hoppinggreen]

It might be different in Scotland but in England these letters are not sent recorded and there is no proof you ever received it
Once you engage then you will be prosecuted for not turning up but if you never received the letter then you won’t be pursued.
I “know someone”who did this and was never contacted again.
“They” did some research and found out that hundreds of letters are sent out and there aren’t the resources to follow up everyone who the letters were sent to, just the people who respond
As I said, this was in England though

[Nathalie1975]

I sent an email earlier today and I have just received a reply granting me excusal ! Thank you all for the advice.
I didn't want to ignore the letter because it says they will then send me another "warning" letter and I could be fined up to £1000. Also, I am about to apply for citizenship so I don't want to appear as a potential "bad" citizen...