Oh bum - jury duty

AffIt · 2023-08-21T13:31:08+00:00

First of all, I have no problem whatsoever with the concept of doing jury duty - I think it's a civic responsibility that should be carried by all within society - but oh bloody hell, this is so inconvenient... Have received a citation for JD in the middle of September, but we're supposed to be going away last week of Sept / beginning of Oct to a big event - however, being spectacularly disorganised, we haven't yet booked travel (although I do have evidence of tickets purchased for said event). I know there's a fairly hefty chance I won't be selected anyway and, even if I am, it may well only be one day in court or similar, but it seems like a bit of a gamble. Any advice?

Stressfordays · 21/08/2023 14:35

My friend got called last week for September, she's sent a deferral as shes due to move house. She had to give a lost of suitable dates in the next year. You could always do that? I was called when my youngest was 6 months old, I sent a deferral in stating I had a breastfeeding baby and I've never been called since.

EVHead · 21/08/2023 14:36

Book the travel then tell them about it. I got out of it this way once.

FourTeaFallOut · 21/08/2023 14:38

I thought this was going to be about hard chairs. 😁

As above, I'd solidify your plans pronto and then make your excuses.

Farcry66 · 21/08/2023 14:41

I've just done jury service after deferring- they originally wanted me right at the start of the exam teacher and as the only specialist teacher of the subject at my school, that wouldn't have been ideal.

Talking to people there though, the majority seemed to have deferred and some on very vague grounds, so I don't think they're too difficult about the first deferral. Just be very careful about the dates you do put it as you can't defer again.

CR7 · 21/08/2023 14:43

I deferred once and then had no choice when I was called again x

AnSolas · 21/08/2023 14:44

Contact them using the tickets yoi booked and see if they will excuse you from the selection pool
If not bring the proof with you on the first day.
If you get called you are normally told of the expected duration and asked if you have reasons you cant be there.

Cotswoldbee · 21/08/2023 14:45

When I did it I got a deferral with no need to provide any evidence as I just accepted the new dates they offered.

Fully agree about civic duty, tried and trusted legal system etc etc and would not have it any other way but heavens, it was boring!!!! 🥱
Constantly removed from the court so barristers could discuss points of law and the case itself seemed so straight forward but of course, due process meant it lasted almost a week. We got 100% agreement on the guilty verdict in just a few minutes.

Hope I never get called again.

Mummapenguin20 · 21/08/2023 14:52

I was called for this month. I deferred due to server morning sickness so start next aug instead

InSpainTheRain · 21/08/2023 14:56

You should be able to get it deferred on the evidence of the tickets. You won't be able to get out of it totally though.

skyfalldown · 21/08/2023 15:17

I expect you'll be fine, I've deferred every single year for 6 years. They finally got me this time though, I don't have an excuse for this one!

Appleofmyeye2023 · 21/08/2023 15:28

It’s a bit daft really isn’t it. There a lot of people like me, thst even while I was still working, had a lot of flexibility that I could have done jury service , but around time of having babies, pregnancy and young kids it was an absolute nightmare. I know there needs to be a balance, both in terms of sex, race but also life experience, but it just seems people like me get called once , defer for genuine reasons, and then never get called again in next 30 years when I’d have been fine with it.
My relative has just been called up. He’s main legal attorney and point person for his elderly father who is sectioned just now (86) and probable dementia. He lives around 1.5 hours from his dad psych unit he’s on just now. He can’t get there in evenings when at court, and the sectionn2 runs out whilst he’s on jury service. He may not be able to make the key case review to convert to section 3 or discharge his dad. It’s all really pants timing. All he can do is turn up, tell them, and hope he doesn’t get dragged into a long case

AnSolas · 21/08/2023 16:01

Appleofmyeye2023 · 21/08/2023 15:28

It’s a bit daft really isn’t it. There a lot of people like me, thst even while I was still working, had a lot of flexibility that I could have done jury service , but around time of having babies, pregnancy and young kids it was an absolute nightmare. I know there needs to be a balance, both in terms of sex, race but also life experience, but it just seems people like me get called once , defer for genuine reasons, and then never get called again in next 30 years when I’d have been fine with it.
My relative has just been called up. He’s main legal attorney and point person for his elderly father who is sectioned just now (86) and probable dementia. He lives around 1.5 hours from his dad psych unit he’s on just now. He can’t get there in evenings when at court, and the sectionn2 runs out whilst he’s on jury service. He may not be able to make the key case review to convert to section 3 or discharge his dad. It’s all really pants timing. All he can do is turn up, tell them, and hope he doesn’t get dragged into a long case

Each time I was called the judge in charge of selection has always given instructions prior to the selection process and listen to the issues a potential jury member may have before the selection of a jury began.
If he has not already done so he should contact the court and send in the hospital appointment schedule and ask that they change the dates. And appeal if it is denied

https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/delaying-or-being-excused-from-jury-service

Jury service

What to do if you're asked to do jury service - taking time off work, delaying jury service, claiming expenses. Includes information from the withdrawn 5222, 5222A and Juror Charter guidance.

https://www.gov.uk/jury-service/delaying-or-being-excused-from-jury-service

VictoriaVenkman · 21/08/2023 22:39

I was historically annoyed I was never picked. However I see an advantage to that in later life

YouMustBeHotYourPantsAreOnFire · 21/08/2023 22:44

I was called. It’s the only time I’ve ever been grateful to have appalling MH. I filled in the reason why I couldn’t possibly attend, told them I was happy for them to contact my dr if they needed confirmation. Never heard from them again.

ElthamLemur · 21/08/2023 22:54

I got summonsed recently. The letter allows you to say that the date they selected is inconvenient and give three alternatives in the next 12 months. You don’t have to justify why the first one is inconvenient because you are committing to doing it on one of your alternative dates.

The thing about having holiday/flights booked comes later- that is what you can refer to if you get picked for a long trial and they ask for any reason why you can’t do it.