Jury Service & antidepressants - what's the law?

[twosmallbuttons]

I've been called for Jury service soon, and have just been prescribed ADs. I haven't started taking them yet though as I'm not sure whether this would make me ineligible to serve on the jury.

I think there has been a recent change in the law, but I can't find anything definitive or clear that says you can serve on a jury if you're taking ADs.

Anyone know, please?

I was on ADs when I did Jury Service.

Thanks - did they ask anything about it before you were sworn in?

Why would ADs make a difference to your ability to sit on a jury?

I did jury service about nine years ago, and was never asked about ADs or any other medication.

Nope. Nothing at all. Tbh I'm not sure why you think there would be a problem.

(They didn't ask about my asthma or epilepsy either.)

I'm not sure why it would make any difference.
How will they know you are on AD's anyway?

I doubt any medication would excuse you for jury duty but mental health issues could.
Is it that you don't feel able to do it? If so speak to your GP and they might be able to help with exemption.

I don't want to be exempt, I want to do the jury service.

There was a law (pre-2013 I think) which meant that anyone suffering from MH problems could not sit on a jury. I guess I wasn't sure whether taking ADs would be classed as a MH problem.

I'm not sure what happens when you're sworn in to Jury service - hence me checking with MN wisdom

I think the forms give you guidance on exemption so if it doesn't mention AD's then I wouldn't worry about it.

Nah - you're fine. But do take a good book 'cause it can be REALLY boring when you're not actually on a trial.

I suppose you're right! Ta

Ha! Thanks for the advice Rainbow.