I was called for jury service in 2022 - I served for about a week and a half around the time of the Queen’s jubilee.
if I’m honest, it was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. My case was a violent one - rape and false imprisonment, and gbh against two separate women, over a short space of time; the defendant had only been out of prison for a few weeks when the first event took place.
he was an utterly nasty piece of work, and I found even being in the same room as him challenging. That said, he tried all sorts of delay tactics, and shenanigans in the hope of getting a mistrial. The judge was very strict with us and I later learned that it was because it wasn’t the first time they had attempted to prosecute. With all of his silly games we probably only heard 2-3 days of evidence in total, and there was no defence (he represented himself and refused to say anything when he got the chance).
the thing I found most difficult was that you cannot talk to anyone about the case at all until it’s over, and some of the testimony was harrowing. Those poor women were really put through the wringer and I was generally appalled at the way they were humiliated in questioning.
we didn't have to deliberate for long and then we heard just how dangerous he is to women. He was given a long sentence and not eligible for parole, but from his attitude I don’t think he is capable of rehabilitation.
it’s funny - I was thinking the other day that if I’m called again I’m sure I would be pretty anxious.