I Have Just Been Called Up For Jury Service?

Question

And I Wondered Whether The Horror Stories I Have Been Told About How Bad The Jury System Is Are True?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6620747.stm

Answer 1

You are about to find out from personal experience what a shambles the criminal system is in this country.

I took part in jury service at Canterbury Crown Court back in July 2006 and I could not believe what took place.

Some jurors took days off sick when the weather was nice and openly admitted they had bunked off. Apparently it costs £10,000 a day to run a trial and the trial was put on hold while they were off enjoying themselves.

Later on when we came to decide our verdict some of the jurors admitted they had fallen asleep in the court room and didn't take in any of the evidence which had been presented to them. The general view was that as the police and crown prosecution service believed that they were guilty then we should just go along and rubber stamp that verdict.

So much for justice!

Answer 2

I did Jury Service last year here in the UK. I am glad I did. It was a very positive experience. There is a lot of waiting around you may not even get a case I expect you will. It depends what type it is some are really boring Finance stuff others one I had was GBH and the other was an Abuse case I wouldnt wish the second on anyone and it stayed with me for awhile but it gave me an insight into the Court system at which I have no complaints because I now know the full picture.
The jury system is the fairest I think there is the jury cant be pre selected here its done from the electoral register and on the day the computer also randomly picks you. Hence the reason you end up with or without a case.
I was able to go to work on two of the days as we were not needed, you are told at the Court that you are expected to return to work if not needed. So its not a case of having free days.
Any juror that did not turn up or was late was severely dealt with by the Judges in fact I was told by the Usher on one of the cases in the court one juror was put down in the cell for half a day because of contempt and of course they had to change the jury and start again.
For ten days I was with a group of people who I would never have met before and that in itself was eye opening we live in a very insular world.
Please think positively and go with no expectations and know that you are serving your country for a short time in a very useful way.

Answer 3

Jury service is an honor and a privilege and should be welcomed as an opportunity to take part in an ancient tradition of the freedoms enjoyed in societies that are rooted in English Common Law.

From Magna Carta (1215) to the US constitution (1789) to the present the authority of the common people has step by step been recognized and honored. This is a precious tradition and jury service is part of it.

If you don't like it try getting arrested in other countries where English Common Law does not apply. In Russia you may find yourself at the mercy of a tribunal of three judges, with your peers from among the people having no voice at all. In Mexico and other Latin countries you may find yourself accused and bearing the burden of proving your innocence rather than being presumed innocent until proved guilty.

Be thankful if you live in a society where English Common Law has produced a system of justice that is way better than others. And serve on that jury with pride.

Answer 4

I served on Jury Duty a couple of months ago, it was a Personal Injury Case. The whole thing was fascinating, it gave me a real respect for the Judges, and also showed me that the Lawyers though very intelligent were also how could I put it, swarmy, after two days I equally disliked the Lawyers for both sides. All in all the Jurors I served with were a nice group, we went out togather for lunch. I'm looking forward to serving again, unfortunately here in New Jersey once you serve you don't get called again for at least 5 years.

Answer 5

The jury system is the hallmark of British, British Commonwealth, and American jurisprudence. In our society we spend much time thinking about our rights as citizens, however, with our rights also come certain civic responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is serving on a jury.

There are bad things that sometimes happen in the process of any business, government, or even in the administration of justice. However, it is up to all of us to make sure that the system works as it should. It requires conscientious, committed people who are serious about making the system work.

Now that you have been called to jury duty, consider it to be a serious responsibility. Keep an open mind, and remember that the integrity of the system depends on you. All your country asks of you is that you do your best in this regard.

Answer 6

I am not sure about the UK jury system, but in the USA, it is not bad at all, and I have never heard of anything bad about serving in a jury. However, I know that there are a lot of people who do not wish to practice their civic duty, for one reason or another, mostly personal.

Answer 7

Ive done jury service twice and loved it. Was really worried what to expect and when I got on the first trial I was really engrossed. You will meet lots of people there and its a good way of getting out of work! It is a bit daunting at first but its very interesting. I didnt come across any horror stories.

Answer 8

i don't know for a fact if those stories that you've heard are true, but one thing is for sure is that, even if the stories are true, you should still go because you're doing your service as a citizen of the U.S. Also you would be doing a justice act because you yourself can determine the outcome of the trial you are going to an hold a person's fate. I would assume that if you were on trial, you would want a jury as well, so i don't know if exactly answered you question, but i hope this information helps.

Answer 9

Nice to hear there is another law abiding person out there, but I cant imagine wanting to be repaid by having to do jury service it should be a choice a few folk I know even tried to get a doctor's letter to get out of doing it, and others dying to do it hoping to get a really horrible trial (makes you wonder)

Answer 10

yep it's as bad as you've heard & getting worse
as the system is abused by jurors, criminals & judges, who have no real power.
finding the accused guilty is a waste of time, when the judge can't put the culprit away due to lack of prison spaces.
just do your best & try to let the details of the case go in 1 ear & out the other.
for the sake of your own sanity.