Jury Service

[Cath]

I was summoned for jury sercive due to start on 2nd November but what with so much going on at the moment I have managed to get it deferred until March next year.

The thing that worries me is claiming back lost income as I am self-employed and the effect it will have on my business as I provide a personal service to my clients every 2-3 weeks. I could cope with a couple of weeks but any longer could ruin my business unless I did jury in the day and worked all night!

Anyone got any experience on this?

[kallis3]

Unless you get lumbered with a big case, then two weeks is all you will do. Daughter never even had to go when she had hers, just rang up everyday and her number was never called.

You can claim back loss of earnings, but of course if you don't get called, you can work as normal.

I believe that you still get asked the question 'will you try this case impartially' or something like that. If you say no, as far as I am concerned if they are in the dock they are guilty, they will have to let you go.

That's how it used to work anyway.

[Shining]

I've never been called, always fancied it though, my friend was called and like Kallis's daughter never once got called upon.

[Cath]

Thanks. I've got to be at the court at 9.30 on the first day. Guess I'll have to see what happens then! I've always fancied doing it but now, it's a bit inconvenient lol!

[kallis3]

The majority of cases are exceedingly boring!

[Cath]

I will keep my fingers crossed for something meaty and take a good book to read wile I'm hanging around waiting.

[kallis3]

From what I can remember, daughter went on the first day and registered, she then came home and had to ring up at 4.30 every day for two weeks. She never set foot inside the court again.

[plasticdaft]

My Mum ended up sitting through 3 weeks of a trial involving drugs and a murder!!! She thought it was great but as she works as an auxiliary nurse and does a lot of extra shifts she ended up out of pocket coz she could only claim her normal basic wage back!!!

[kallis3]

I'm afraid if they ever call me, I shall be saying that I am biased (I am really being an ex cop and still working for the police) as I have no wish to sit through anything!

[Julie]

I would hate it... I don't agree with the jury selection system so hope I never get selected.


Its also a pain when employees are called up.

[Cath]

Just out of interest, how do you think a jury should be selected Julie? Is it the random selection or the fact that everyday people don't have enough experience to 'juge' someone, based on the facts presented or something else?

I hope I wouldn't be biased although I realise this can be used as a get out clause if really needed.

[Julie]

Cath - I just don't see how randomly picking people who sometimes have no qualifications or experience in life can possibly be fair.

I have heard and know for a fact, of some "jurors" making a decision purely on how a person dresses/looks.

Its only my opinion, but I believe a decision that could change someones life is very important and those making the decision have to have proved themselves in society in some way or another.

[kallis3]

Every day people are more likely to give an unbiased judgement based on the evidence laid before them.

I really don't know of any other way of doing it fairly.

[Julie]

I don't know of a fair way of doing it, but I'm not convinced the current method is fair either.

[MRBLUESKY]

my oldest son went on jury service the other month ,had a couple of cases over 2 weeks but was annoyed at his expenses,as there is a limit, and they were below his normal weekly salary.but he did enjoy the experience.