what is jury services like?

Answer 1

I was a juror once and I think it was a fascinating, exasperating experience.

The crime was breaking and entering a house and stealing and also assault.

Since we were a variety of people (race, religion, sex) and other factors (liberals and conservatives) we had a very hard time deciding the case. I remember very well that there were 1 or 2 people who were quite sure the defendant was not guilty on all counts and could not be moved. This was the cause of us spending the night together in a hotel - we were a hung jury. After spending the night, we were determined to bring in a verdict, so we just had to compromise - so parts of the verdict (counts of guilty, counts of not guilty) were finally decided upon and we could go home.

I took jury duty very seriously and I wanted to see justice done, but as I said, it turned out to be a compromise and not complete justice as far as I am concerned. Still, I am glad I did it because I got to see first-hand how the system really works.

Answer 2

As a juror, you have been chosen at random from the electoral roll to serve on a jury - your job is to decide the outcome of a trial. You will be one of many people chosen for Jury Service and you have an opportunity to be involved in the legal system. As a juror, you'll be trying the more serious criminal cases such as theft, burglary, and drugs offences. Jurors also try cases involving murder and rape, but these cases are less common.

You might be needed to serve in a civil case such as libel, though this does not happen often. When it does, the trial will take place in the High Court or a county court. You might also be needed to serve in a coroner's court. You and the rest of your jury play an important part in a trial. There will be 12 of you on a jury, and your task is to consider the evidence and then reach a verdict of 'guilty' or 'not guilty'

The 12 of you will be a cross-section of our society and will be asked to take an unbiased approach to the case to try to ensure that a fair trial takes place. Your summons tells you that you are legally required to serve on a jury. Please don't be worried by this - once most people get over the initial concern, they find jury service interesting and rewarding.

Some people do not qualify for jury service. Others may be eligible but can't make the dates for which they have been summoned. If you think this applies to you, you can ask to serve on a later date, that's called deferral. There are also groups of people in various professions and roles in society who can apply to be excused. You must reply to your summons within seven days of receiving it. After your reply has been received you will be sent more details about your jury service, including how to get to the court. It is important you tell employers and anyone else who might be affected by your absence well in advance of the start of your service.

Answer 3

In my case i was informned i was to be a juror and as i worked full time as a nurse, it meant changing shifts so as to suit jury duties. I had to be there for 9 AM and wait in a room until we were called. We were given tea/coffee/lunch and expenses for petrol money (Or public service if people didn't have a car).

In my time as a juror, there were two cases of burglaries, one of aggravated burglary and a rape.

I found being a juror took a lot of time, to hear the same things again, i mean you know how it goes, all these formalities! But altogether i have to say it was quite an experience. What baffled me was the fact that previous convictions were only given post trial. I didn't think it was a good idea.

Answer 4

very boring,lots of sitting around doing nothing,try very hard to get out of it.if anybody tells you it's great then they need to get a life and a job,this is for people who don't get bored,but if you can get past the boredom and onto a jury on a case then it's quite interesting to see how the judicial system operates,but it's still boring!

Answer 5

I hated it, and I have done it twice, there was the travelling to and from the court every day, waiting around for your case to be heard, both times I went I found it so boring.

you can claim expenses, they give you so much for lunches and fare costs, and if your working, and hand in wage receipts they give you so much, if your on a really good wage you can lose out, as I think it only goes up to a certain limit, they give you so much at the end.

It might have changed as its been a few years since I did it.

Answer 6

Boring unless you get chosen for a high profile murder case where there's a lot of detail otherwise you are listening about someone walking out of Tesco with a tin of baked beans! (yawn)

Answer 7

I was a juror for 6 months it was horrendously boring

Answer 8

boring but you get time off work and only do a few hours a day some days and get paid so its not half bad!

Answer 9

bring a book!
you will spend a lot of time sitting around doing nothing.

Answer 10

boring