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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Bloody jury service

347 replies

fussychica · 29/05/2015 14:14

In all my years at work, where I would have been paid by my employer, I was never called for jury service. I'm now retired and I've been called right in the middle of the summer. Although I don't mind doing the actual thing getting there will be a nightmare, (I dont drive) and the subsistance doesnt even cover 2 drinks let alone lunch. I dont have an actual holiday booked but had quite a few plans for this part of the summer. I know its my civic duty but Im a bit pissed off about it as if you couldnt tell

OP posts:
Augustwedding · 29/05/2015 14:19

I had a 8 week murder trial so I feel your pain!

Greenteandchives · 29/05/2015 14:20

That's a pity. The trouble with jury service is that you might get there and be sent home again. There is an awful lot of hanging about and not knowing from one day to the next what you might be needed to do. It's possible you could end up on a lengthy case which might go on for weeks!
My son had done two stints by the time he was 26. Some people are never called at all. That's just the way it is.
I quite enjoyed it, but then I was having some paid time off work.....

Topseyt · 29/05/2015 14:21

It could be interesting, you never know. I can see how it could be a PITA though too.

I have never been called (touches wood). If it ever happens then I guess it will happen at the least convenient time.

shakemysilliesout · 29/05/2015 14:23

It's awful- can you afford to take the fine?

I think I read the fine as £1000- seems a good deal to me.

Im so sorry this is happening to you. Tedious and frustrating.

Pipbin · 29/05/2015 14:26

Im so sorry this is happening to you. Tedious and frustrating.

Yes, having a democratic right to a fair trial being judged by your peers is a complete ball ache isn't it?
Why don't we just have a bunch of corrupt judges rather than asking people to spare two weeks of their entire life.

CommanderMakara · 29/05/2015 14:27

According to the jury service guidance, you can defer for up to 12 months if the date is not convenient. You have to give dates when you would be available though.

WorraLiberty · 29/05/2015 14:28

My DH recently did 13 weeks jury service

To say it dragged on a bit is an understatement.

Gatehouse77 · 29/05/2015 14:28

I was given a daily allowance for lunch on site - reasonable selection and okay quality. And you can claim back some travel expenses - just keep receipts/tickets.

GeorgeYeatsAutomaticWriter · 29/05/2015 14:29

Bring a packed lunch.

BettyCatKitten · 29/05/2015 14:31

My mum really enjoyed the experience and had 3 weeks off work!
I know what you mean op, how typical yo get called when you've just retired, bad luck!

LizardBreath · 29/05/2015 14:31

The lunch allowance we got recently was very generous, they will cover all public transport costs. Have you spoken them about your difficulties with transport? They are quite accommodating I found.

BMW6 · 29/05/2015 14:32

I was called to JS just after my 19th birthday - am now retired and would love to do it again!

No-one else in my family has ever been called.............

WorraLiberty · 29/05/2015 14:33

Yes I have to say, DH found the lunch expenses generous too.

Sadly there were regular fuck ups with his pay though. It caused a lot of stress over Christmas.

OnIlkleyMoorBahTwat · 29/05/2015 14:36

The system is so inefficient though and just wastes everyones time. When I did it, I was involved in trials for 2.5 days out of two weeks. The rest of the time was just sat there waiting. I may have been allowed to go slightly early (eg 3 pm instead of 4.30 or so) twice.

The catering provided was diabolical and the subsistence provided would not cover a lunch and reasonable refreshments (eg a hot drink twice a day).

I understand the need to have jury service, but they really could provide the jurors with better facilities. There was nowhere where you could work if you needed or wanted to, there wasn't enough seating in the waiting room, the mobile signal was poor and wifi was provided but was extortionately expensive.

Justusemyname · 29/05/2015 14:36

Fuck, I hope my jury doesn't feel like that when they are listening to my case soon.

Northernlurker · 29/05/2015 14:37

I think you need to get over yourself. It's a duty. You enjoy living in our just society presumably? So jury service is part of the cost. Stop moaning about it.

GlitzAndGigglesx · 29/05/2015 14:37

My brother got called for it just before going off to uni and his only took a few weeks. I actually wouldn't mind doing it!

MissMooMoo · 29/05/2015 14:39

I would love to be called!
I know most people dread it.
I do think its important that everyone gets a fair and democratic trial.
I can also sympathise that its not a good time for you, annoying that you get called once retired!

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 29/05/2015 14:40

I've done it twice, the allowance covered lunch and a coffee easily, all travel was covered and it was fascinating both times. Harder to get out of doing a long trial without work or childcare responsibilities though, on my second time I was picked for one that eventually lasted 12 weeks but was excused that one and just did a 4 day case. First time was just over 2 weeks.

ilovesooty · 29/05/2015 14:41

It's the contribution you make for the privilege of living in a civilised society.

Sorry you're finding the prospect of the procedure so onerous. Hmm

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 29/05/2015 14:42

I'd love to be called for jury service. Don't know why. Just something I'd love to do. Do I sound like weirdo

Hockneypool · 29/05/2015 14:43

Good grief you're retired and not on holiday. Stop complaining and just get on with it.

WorraLiberty · 29/05/2015 14:46

That's a bit harsh Northern

It's ok not to look forward to something and dread it a bit.

My DH was really looking forward to it and I was quite jealous he got picked, as I find courts quite interesting in general.

Now however, I would be very wary of getting a long and drawn out trial and mindful that my money could be fucked up too.

For the first time in 20yrs we had to pay the mortgage late.

Of course I'd still do it but I could well imagine having a little moan too Grin

AoifeBell · 29/05/2015 14:46

I'm sorry this is happening to you

??Hmm She's not the one on trial!

Jackiebrambles · 29/05/2015 14:49

I did it years ago and wasn't out of pocket for travel or lunch/drinks at all. I don't think you should be either so I'd double check with them about it.

It is your duty. You can defer I believe but only once and only for good reason (ie hols already booked, operation etc).

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