How often have you been called for Jury Service?

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I've never been called, neither has DH, but DS has just received his second notice, having first served less than 2.5 years ago. He's only 23 now.

He'll do his duty, but is quite disruptive for him in his early career. Whilst you'd hope the employer understands it's not his fault, they still don't like it.

Why do some people get called repeatedly and others not at all?

Once about 30 years ago at the High Court in Edinburgh. Family sexual abuse trial.

Never. A relative of mine was called up the week after he died though, so I handed the paperwork to the solicitor sorting out his estate, and they dealt with it.

I've served twice, neither case a fraud thankfully, and both quite straightforward and short. Was q impressed at how well our jury system works.

Once, at about 20. Almost 20 years ago now. I was the youngest on the jury and also an immature/'young for my age' undiagnosed autistic. I was far too young and shy to actually voice my opinion over the other jurors. There was a man in his 50's who thought he was rather more important than anyone else and took over.

Once, when I was a student and not going to have accommodation near where I was called, as it was the other end of the country from home and during a holiday period when I had a summer job. They exempted me. That must have been about 35 years ago now.

It seems rather an illogical process to call one person several times and others never.

There must be a way to rule out those who have already served before they randomise for those who have not.

Neither I nor my husband, or any member of my family have ever been called.

Am I right in thinking some jobs create an exclusion - does this happen automatically before the 'summons' goes out?

Got called once but it was the week of DS's due date so I was excused. Everyone I know who's served has described it as predominantly boring - a lot of hanging around - so while I'm curious, I'm not going to be too sad if I don't get another call.

Twice. In 1998 when I was chosen and in 2016 when my GP exempted me.

Last week my Dh had to phone between Sunday and Thursday before he was no longer needed. Today my Ds has had to phone to see if he was needed.

Twice about 5 years apart, both in my 40s. I got a murder trial first time and ABH the second time. On the second one the jury got chatting amongst ourselves over lunch and found over half of us had done it before.

No jury deliberations must be kept secret, but the fact that you were on a jury is not. the type of case and whether it was guilty/not guilty and sentence are matters of public interest heard in open court (and often reported in the press) and are not confidential at all.

I was told that once you're called for jury service it's far more likely that you'll be called again. I've no idea if there's any truth to this as it's meant to be a random selection, but it is strange how so many people are called multiple times.

Any job that could be viewed as a conflict of interest will be excused, but you would still be summoned, it isn't an automatic exclusion. Lawyers, police, journalists etc would have a valid reason for not serving.

I don't think it would be possible to keep a database like that. Each court calls up jurors based on the electoral rolls for the various areas they serve. They don't know anything about people's jobs or medical status or personal circumstances, and some of the people they call up will have moved away. Short of creating a national database of people who've served on juries, updated for deaths, criminal convictions etc, the only way really is to summon randomly and far more people than you will actually need. Some will reply with valid reasons why they can't do it. They should still have enough to cover all the trials scheduled to take place.

Me and my DH or parents have ever been called. My brother did but managed to wriggle out of it as he's a baby tbh

Once, about 25 years ago.

Three times. I'm a little ashamed to say I didn't attend any of them as I was running a very small business which I couldn't leave for an indeterminate duration. Also the impact on my earnings would have affected my ability to pay my mortgage.

Three in ~12 years. Never served. The first time I was a FT student, the second I was on mat leave with a breastfed baby, the third I had just returned to work after being very ill and my work wrote a letter to say they couldn't spare me.

If circumstances allow, I will serve the next time I'm called.

I have to say, it was one of the most interesting experiences of my life. Twice is enough though, I hope I don't get called again.

Never- but I've only be a citizen 10yrs.

DH got a letter years ago, but the spelling of his name was so wrong, he thought it was a scam or for someone else and ignored it. He never got another letter!

Never. Always wanted to be though suspect I'd be kicked off due to the nature of a past job. Though actually think my experience, qualifications and knowledge make me ideal! I'd be very fair and very un judgmental. DH never been called either (we are both 50s) and neither of my parents or his were ever called. In fact I don't know anyone who's done it.

Never

I was called up once (Old Bailey) but it was cancelled a month or so before. My manager said he’d had a number of staff called but it was always cancelled beforehand. I assume they call many more than they need. DH and 2 mid 20s DC have never been called

Once. But I was breastfeeding a 2 week old at the time and had it deferred. I haven't heard since. My mum was called when she was in her early 80's. I let them know she had Alzheimer's. My dad was called once, but he was seriously ill in hospital at the time, having been hit by a lorry as he crossed the road.

Once, I was 33 and and had 4 week old twins. It was deferred but I haven’t been called up again since. DH, never.

Once, about 20 years ago. Found it all fascinating.

@Funnywonder I am a bit confused, as I thought that people were no longer eligible after the age of 70? Perhaps they had your mum's age down wrong.

I've been called once, 22 years ago, and sat on 3 cases. It was a an interesting experience. It's such a big responsibility, and tbh some people just seem to jump to conclusions in their judgement. I can only hope the decisions we collectively made were fair...

My mother was also called once and my sister in law, I remember. But my father, DH, DD and her partner have never been called.