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Original poster

.... to ask about jury service

60 replies

stevie69 · 12/08/2018 16:55

I've been called and I just wonder if any of you lovely people had any experience that you could share? Not about your specific cases, of course: about the process, what I can expect, how it feels to be in a position of such responsibility — that kind of stuff.

Big thanks in advance.

OP posts:
nancy75 · 12/08/2018 16:59

Take a book, while you are waiting to get called up it is very boring! Depending on where you do it you may get lots of quick cases or one long one ( if it’s going to be very long they tell you first & you might be able to get out of it) I did it at the old Bailey, 5 days waiting about and then got called for a case that was going to last for months - I was excused as I had a young baby and didn’t have childcare for that length of time

Original poster
stevie69 · 12/08/2018 17:15

Thanks @nancy75. I'll make sure that I take something to keep me occupied.

I have no personal/caring responsibilities, so no reason that I can't be in it for the long haul, if needs be Shock

OP posts:
Foxyloxy1plus1 · 12/08/2018 17:18

I found it very interesting, but there can be lots of hanging about and you certainly need something to keep you entertained at those times. When there’s a point of law, the jury is sent out and that can happen quite often, especially in complicated cases.

I was fascinated by the whole thing and very mindful not to mention anything about the case to anyone whilst it was on.

Clionba · 12/08/2018 17:19

There's a lot of waiting around. Dress smartly, but be comfortable. You'll be given very clear instructions on what to do. They will tell you if the case is expected to be a long one. I found the cases very interesting, although you must be aware that certain details can be upsetting. I just focused on the evidence and the arguments of the barristers.

HushabyeMountainGoat · 12/08/2018 17:21

I really enjoyed it. I had one case that lasted around 3 days. I'd love to be called again.

I enjoyed the free time too. Puzzle books are quite good to keep you awake as reading can make me a bit sleepy. Definitely spend as much time outside as you can during lunch.

Onlyjoinedtopost · 12/08/2018 17:21

Agree with PP, definitely take books/crosswords etc to entertain you as there can be a lot of waiting around. Did it when I was 18, can’t remember whether there were rules about having phones/iPads while waiting or not. Also I’m sure you have probably already considered it, but just be prepared that it may be something awful. Mine was a horrific child rape case and it is harrowing having to hear the details and evidence of something like that. You can be excused if you believe it would be too much for you. Good luck, it is normally a once in a lifetime thing!

Clionba · 12/08/2018 17:25

There are strict rules now with phones and watches etc. You have to be unable to communicate. Take books, magazines and puzzle books are a good idea, as pp have said. I actually made some good friends on the jury!

TeenTimesTwo · 12/08/2018 17:25

I did 2 and a half weeks. Lots of waiting around, then being sent home and don't come back until tomorrow (or sometimes the day after). Then got called as one of 15 (judge apologised for the delays), but there wasn't anything wrong with the first 12 so I wasn't needed, so after all that I didn't even get to do anything.

mumoftwo1975 · 12/08/2018 17:25

This is something I will be following as I have been called up too. A colleague also recommended to take a book as there will be lots of waiting around. I'm told that you'll be given a food allowance but I'll probably take lunch to begin with and suss it out. Tbh I'm really nervous- What if I dont remember the facts, how will i react if the defendant looks at me in the eye, what if the decision i make (along with other jurers) isn't the right one....
Hubby said it's a great experience and he'd love to do it again, but he's concerned for me that ill have a more harrowing c

mumoftwo1975 · 12/08/2018 17:27

Whoops... harrowing case- I'd hope not.
Interested to hear others thoughts too please.

Clionba · 12/08/2018 17:29

You'll be given vouchers for food and drinks, but you can buy more at the canteen. The defendant is unlikely to look at you, they seem to look at their legal team or the judge. You won't make a wrong decision because when you're in the jury room you'll discuss it with the others. The judge will sum up for you very clearly.

MsAwesomeDragon · 12/08/2018 17:32

I found it underwhelming and boring. I was fully expecting to be on a case but didn't get one at all. The first day I was sent home at around 1ish because I wasn't picked for the jury they needed that day. I was told to go back on the Wednesday, which I did, only to be sent home again at about 2:30 that time. I was told to go back the following Monday but got a phone call on the Friday to say I wouldn't be needed.

So basically, instead of the 2 weeks of dispensing justice I thought I was in for, I got 2 half days off sitting in a jury room waiting for anything, something, to happen. I'm glad I took plenty of work to do while I was there because it was really deadly dull.

It might be more exciting in a bigger city with more cases going on. Most of the defendants that were scheduled to appear in the 2 weeks I was supposed to be there changed their minds and pleaded guilty. That means that they don't need a jury because they can go directly to sentencing.

Clionba · 12/08/2018 17:32

You can talk to a court official if you have concerns. Once on the jury benches I found that I was able to put emotions to one side and focus on the evidence. It's a very important civic duty, but you'll also find it interesting to be part of the process.

SillySallySingsSongs · 12/08/2018 17:35

It is faciscinating, but as others said there can be a lot of waiting around.

We had a good allowance, but maybe worth taking something on the first day in case you don't.

neighneigh · 12/08/2018 17:35

There is a. Lot. Of waiting around. It's interesting, and debating with the other members of the jury is an eye opener. Most importantly, don't Google the case/defendant when you are at home, or read anything that could prejudice your view of the case. It must be taken seriously. It's interesting but yes, quite daunting to be in those surroundings and with some very serious discussions. Bring your own snacks and extra money, the lunch allowance is pants. You get a pencil and paper for notes but have to leave them each night.

Singlenotsingle · 12/08/2018 17:39

There were about 100 jurors on the first day divided up into teams of 13. When my team got located a case we went to the Court waiting room, and 12 were called into the courtroom; the accused had the right to object to particular jurors. I had 3 cases. One went through to the end, one was halted half way through (problem with evidence), and in one the Accused changed his plea to Guilty so we weren't needed. There was a lot of hanging around though!

GreenTulips · 12/08/2018 17:39

When you go in there usually a video explains the process. You do get a paid meal allowance plus petrol and parking or bus fare, paid after the trial.

After the video you and many others will be chosen. Those chosen will hear the names of the people who will be giving evidence - at this point you will be asked if you know them and in what capacity.

You are given a notebook to write down facts - which will be left in court until you can deliberate later.

You do sit around a lot, you can discuss the case and some people brought laptops to do work whilst waiting.

You are excused if points need clarifying, or equipment isn't working.

The judge leads the proceedings.

There is a member or court who will answer questions if you have any

It's not difficult. Quite an interesting experience.

Clionba · 12/08/2018 17:40

Good point and advice above. Don't prejudice the case! You can get into all sorts of serious trouble, and it could be a mistrial. Just switch off when you leave the Court, don't talk to anyone about it, don't Google etc

Wheretheresawill1 · 12/08/2018 17:41

I’ve never been called but would love to do it. What is the likelihood of being called?

Original poster
stevie69 · 12/08/2018 17:43

Oooh, thank you so much everyone. Really useful help here and so much more 'real' than the official guide Smile

I'm robust, resilient and street smart. Yes, the world upsets me at times; and amazes me at others. I think it unlikely that I'd be unable to deal with whatever's thrown at me Blush

I'm in a large city in the north and am hoping for something interesting. All in all, I'm kind of looking forward to the experience. Hope that doesn't sound strange.

Thank you Smile

OP posts:
IrenetheQuaint · 12/08/2018 17:43

Useful thread as I've been selected for jury service in a couple of weeks!

Unfortunately it looks like the funeral of a close friend will fall during my jury service :( Does anyone have experience of asking for a day off in these circumstances? I will know the date before my jury service starts so hopefully I can just inform them in advance so they can schedule accordingly?

Clionba · 12/08/2018 17:44

Completely random from the electoral register. I've been called three times, (different cities) and last time they said that I had done my civic duty.

georgedawes · 12/08/2018 17:45

Yes just to echo what has been said - there can be lots of waiting around! When I did it, some people who were there on my first day were called straight away and were on cases the whole two weeks, I did a short trial and some did none at all. It really is random!

Don't worry about what you wear, people wear all sorts and no-one judges you for it. I wore jeans and a jumper and most people did too, just pick comfy clothes as you will be sat down a lot!

Tanfastic · 12/08/2018 17:45

I loved it. Would love to be called again.

I was on a very big trial for a very serious and harrowing case. Be aware that this could happen and prepare yourself. I found it quite complicated at times and had to concentrate to take in all the facts. It really depends what trial you get, mine had several defendants all with separate representation which got a bit confusing at times.

There was no waiting round for me because I got on a trial the first day but I've been told there can be. The days go quickly, you don't tend to get in to court until after 9am and you are sometimes in and out whilst they discuss points of law and you mostly get to go leave before 5. Mine was 20 odd years ago though so things may have changed.

Polarbearflavour · 12/08/2018 17:47

How do you get paid? I know that larger employers pay your salary. But what if you are temping or self-employed?

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