Menu
05/12/2003
Jury service 'excuse' to be removed
Under new government proposals, the pool of eligible people for jury service will be substantially increased, as almost all of the existing groups of people currently excused from jury service will be deemed eligible.
This will include those people disqualified from, ineligible for, or otherwise entitled by right to be excused from jury service such as members of the armed forces, members of the medical profession, and members of parliament.
Under new legislation from April 2004 everyone called for jury service should serve unless there are compelling reasons to be deferred or excused.
The government say that expanding the pool of potential jurors will help to ensure that juries "better reflect the communities from which they are drawn" and that the move will increase "public confidence in the justice system as a whole".
Announcing a consultation on the new guidelines for jury excusal and deferral, Courts Minister Chris Leslie said: "The draft guidance set out in the consultation paper is intended to strike a balance between the needs of society to have a representative jury to hear cases, and the needs of the person summoned to undertake jury service.
"Most people understand that it is an important civic duty to serve on a jury when summoned. Nevertheless, I believe the guidance recognises and takes account of how jury service can affect the lives of people already subject to a multitude of conflicting demands. It is essential that all requests for excusal or deferral are dealt with fairly and consistently across the country and we want to hear from anyone who has a view on this."
All registered electors aged between 18 and 70 years of age, except certain individuals with a mental illness or convicted of a criminal offence, will be eligible for jury service and it will be necessary for anyone else seeking to be excused jury service to show 'good reason' why they should not do their civic duty.
The government intends that the legislation should establish a general approach for the Jury Central Summoning Bureau to apply a "fair and consistent approach".
Every year almost half a million people are summoned to sit as jurors, usually in criminal cases.
(SP)
This will include those people disqualified from, ineligible for, or otherwise entitled by right to be excused from jury service such as members of the armed forces, members of the medical profession, and members of parliament.
Under new legislation from April 2004 everyone called for jury service should serve unless there are compelling reasons to be deferred or excused.
The government say that expanding the pool of potential jurors will help to ensure that juries "better reflect the communities from which they are drawn" and that the move will increase "public confidence in the justice system as a whole".
Announcing a consultation on the new guidelines for jury excusal and deferral, Courts Minister Chris Leslie said: "The draft guidance set out in the consultation paper is intended to strike a balance between the needs of society to have a representative jury to hear cases, and the needs of the person summoned to undertake jury service.
"Most people understand that it is an important civic duty to serve on a jury when summoned. Nevertheless, I believe the guidance recognises and takes account of how jury service can affect the lives of people already subject to a multitude of conflicting demands. It is essential that all requests for excusal or deferral are dealt with fairly and consistently across the country and we want to hear from anyone who has a view on this."
All registered electors aged between 18 and 70 years of age, except certain individuals with a mental illness or convicted of a criminal offence, will be eligible for jury service and it will be necessary for anyone else seeking to be excused jury service to show 'good reason' why they should not do their civic duty.
The government intends that the legislation should establish a general approach for the Jury Central Summoning Bureau to apply a "fair and consistent approach".
Every year almost half a million people are summoned to sit as jurors, usually in criminal cases.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 January 2005
Jury members to benefit from better employment protection
The Constitutional Affairs Secretary, Lord Falconer, has announced government plans to grant additional employment protection for employees summoned for jury service.
Jury members to benefit from better employment protection
The Constitutional Affairs Secretary, Lord Falconer, has announced government plans to grant additional employment protection for employees summoned for jury service.
10 January 2011
Jury Duty Opened To Senior Citizens
People over the age of 65 will be eligible to take part in jury service from tomorrow as key changes to modernise Scots law come into force. Since 1980, an upper age limit for jury duty has been imposed in Scotland which has prohibited those over the age of 65 from serving.
Jury Duty Opened To Senior Citizens
People over the age of 65 will be eligible to take part in jury service from tomorrow as key changes to modernise Scots law come into force. Since 1980, an upper age limit for jury duty has been imposed in Scotland which has prohibited those over the age of 65 from serving.
22 April 2015
Ambulance Service Urge People To Use Service Appropriately
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has received more than 1,200 hoax calls over the last two years, with front-line crews dispatched to almost half believing them to be genuine emergencies.
Ambulance Service Urge People To Use Service Appropriately
The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) has received more than 1,200 hoax calls over the last two years, with front-line crews dispatched to almost half believing them to be genuine emergencies.
28 January 2008
BBC Trust Approve Gaelic Digital Service
The BBC Trust’s decision to approve proposals for a Gaelic Digital Service has been welcomed by Gaelic Media Service (GMS) and BBC Scotland. GMS and BBC Scotland will now begin the process of implementing their joint plans for the launch of the new service.
BBC Trust Approve Gaelic Digital Service
The BBC Trust’s decision to approve proposals for a Gaelic Digital Service has been welcomed by Gaelic Media Service (GMS) and BBC Scotland. GMS and BBC Scotland will now begin the process of implementing their joint plans for the launch of the new service.
07 September 2015
BBC Unveils Proposals For Its Future
The BBC has outlined its plans to become "more open and more distinctive" in the future. The proposals are said to herald "a fundamental change of approach for the Corporation", and will reveal how the broadcasters' services will adapt and change in order to meet audience needs for the next decade.
BBC Unveils Proposals For Its Future
The BBC has outlined its plans to become "more open and more distinctive" in the future. The proposals are said to herald "a fundamental change of approach for the Corporation", and will reveal how the broadcasters' services will adapt and change in order to meet audience needs for the next decade.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy start with patchy mainly light rain, but becoming brighter through the day as the rain turns more showery, the best of any sunnier spells in the south. Maximum temperature 16 °C.Tonight:A few bright spells at first and any showers gradually dying out. Low cloud and mist or drizzle over northern coastal parts will spread south to most areas overnight. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
