Jury duty - carer to child with special needs

[Bluebirdonmyshoulder]

Hi all, posted this is the SN section then discovered there's a legal section too!

A friend has been summoned for jury duty and it's got me in a panic - I've never done it before and now it would be very very difficult to do due to my DD's needs and numerous medical appointments. Do carers of children with SN get excused?

Sorry if this seems like a ridiculous thing to suddenly be worrying about but I'm wondering if it's best to be pro-active and apply for exemption (if such a thing exists) rather than wait and then tell them I can't do it if summoned.

You may or may not be excused.

If called, you need to explain to the relevant Court official (Clerk?) your circumstances and see if they will defer you. You will need to demonstrate the difficulties (clashing appointments etc) for the period you have been called for.

You are unlikely to be excused totally though, so if by (good) luck you are called during a time when you are between appointments, that might be a good time to do it (will strengthen your case for deferral if called again at a bad time).