Jury service - what do I need to know?

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I’ve been called for jury service in a couple of months time, just wondering for those of you who have done it before what would your top advice be? I’ve heard there can be some waiting around so take a book. During the two weeks if you aren’t required one day do you go to work as normal? What if you are only in court for half a day do you then go to work, do they tell you work when you are and aren’t in?!

Wear a brooch or a badge with a pin - in general it's very interesting, but there can be patches where it's not, eg police evidence, and you can feel very dozy. I was terrified of dropping off and being reprimanded by the judge and really wished I'd had a pin to help me stay awake.

If you are selected to be on the jury how long do the sessions tend to be before breaks? Is it hot and stuffy in there? Random questions I know but just try to work out what to wear! I’m not really looking forward to it tbh!

Good advice @Silveroriole !!

I’m feeling a bit anxious the closer it gets, is it really nothing to worry about?!

And this is why people can't deal with randomisation

I went in may this year it was my first time I didn't have any sitting around I took a book and didn't even read one page
I did 2 cases and I was there for 2 weeks
I was very nervous and definitely out of my comfort zone
Take food and drink with you cos it might be some days they wont let you out

It was one of the most fascinating and enthralling experiences of my life, I was sad when it was over. I didn't even get a particularly interesting case but the precision of language and structure I found just amazing.

Lots of waiting around yes, but I also am staggered to hear people saying it was boring - when else in your life are you forced to sit in a quiet room and read or relax for hours at a time?

It is brilliant I hope you enjoy the experience. I've never thought about justice the same again

I feel I’m really going to be out of my comfort zone. I’m not really a confident person at all so I’m concerned I ll be really anxious! Do most people end up being there for the 2 weeks even if they aren’t called in or are many sent away after a couple of days?

When you are actually called into court are there lockers to put your bags in?!

Yes - you aren't allowed to take your bag into the court with you.

My partner is soon to do her 3rd stint of jury service (she was called aged 18, then aged 55, now aged 67) and sat on juries for each stint.

I have been called once, in 2005 and spent 2 weeks doing absolutely nothing - never got to serve on a case.

We were allowed our bags in with us, had a tickly cough so was thankful for my bag of mint imperials.

I definitely didn't tell work when I was sent home early

You are allowed out for lunch unless your deliberating falls over lunch time then you'll need to bring lunch with you

We’re most of you who have done it there for 2 weeks?

Mine was just over 3 weeks.