General Chat

Has anyone served on a jury? I have been called to Jury Duty starting tomorrow at 10am. Just wondering what to expect! Annexx

Thanks I wasn't sure what to expect as this is my first time. I'll take a book with me. Thanks for the advice. Annexx

thanks Stu I wouldn't have thought of that Annexx

I have, Anne..... First you all go into the court room and they tell you what will happen.....then you wait....and wait..... My group kept getting people that said they were guilty so were not needed, but we did eventually get on....there are always more than they need so you may get objected to...I was the last one to swear in ......said it really quickly so they didn't have time to object....after all the waiting I would have been really cross to have missed out!!! Hope you don't get on a long trial because then you have to do more than you're two weeks!!!! Jacquie xxx

Dawn I don't drive and will be using public transport. It will take me an hour, travelling on two buses to get to the Court. Annexx

Jacquie thanks for that - in a way I am looking forward to the experience. I'm a bit apprehensive about just what is involved though. Annexx

I did it in the High Court a couple of years ago. It was very hot.I found it interesting and offered to be the spokesman for the jury and give the verdict! You get a lovely lunch as you can`t go out during the day. Rosalyn

Hi Rosalyn it is Airdrie Sheriff Court I am going to tomorrow. Annexx

I was called 3 times. Once I went, but we were not needed, after sitting there for hours. Then twice when I was ill,and the doctor wrote to the court. The last time he wrote and told them to take me off the register............... I couldn't be drawn for the lottery please, could I?? Deanna

My sister is going tomorrow! But not Airdrie. Her first time, tried to put them off but couldnt. She is claiming for her parking fee, travel and putting her dog in kennels daily.

I tried to get an exemption but nurses now not exempt. You need to get a 'Soul and conscience' letter from GP and some will charge for it. Rosalyn

I did not need to pay for mine, I am just too sick to attend. Deanna

My friend went and as everyone that had a reason not to be there gave there comments, the judge just seemed to turn them to dust as not a good enough reason. When It came to their turn they were too scared to say anything so said all was fine....She later found out that she was the only one with a legitimate excuss since she had only just started a new job and hadn't been there even a week...got a longer case too, Work weren't too happy..oh well. She enjoyed it though said it was an experience! Good luck...and don't be late. Sue

Hi Anne. Hubby done jury service. Only in court one day. Sister done it & was in court 3 weeks. Depends what you get & whether ypu get called in. I got called, I had a shop at the time & phoned them. I would have had to get someone to cover the shop but they said their expenses did'nt cover that. The girl I spoke to on the phone said she would try & get me off if poss. She did. I was almost dissapointed., but could'nt be on a case like my sister. Would love to have done it. Love Hilary. xx

Hi Anne They will probably tell you tomorrow, but you are not allowed to tell anyone which case you are sitting on, not even your nearest and dearest, so be careful. Take a copy of War & Peace, and a wagon load of knitting or something, you'll probably spend hours and hours in the jury waiting room. I did Crown Court quite a few years back and sat on two cases, both of which turned out to be very interesting and worth the wait. Wish I could go again!!! Dianne

Hi Anne I'm half way through a 2 week jury service and am really enjoying it, it's just like you see on the TV only with more waiting around. I must be lucky because we've got nice padded seats to sit on and my Court has it's own canteen so we get a £5 'smart card' each day to spend as we want. Apart from the first day (which was 9.00 start) we have started between 10.00-10.30 and apart from one late night (4.15 !) we've been sent home by 3.00. Only problem is the Court is too near the shops and I've spent loads more than usual. Don't forget to save your bus tickets, you'll need them when you make your expenses claim. Good Luck, and try to enjoy it. Carolyn

Hi Anne I got called up late last year. Was really panicking about it. I think everyone on the site lived with me through it lol. Never got to do a sausage though. Very disappointed in the end. I did get picked once but too many people knew one of the defendants so we had to be thrown out. Take plenty of books and magazines - its really boring louise xx

I did it in Gloucester crown court about 30 years ago. was there two days, then the defendant changed his plea to guilty. judge was most apologetic to the Jury. Quite disappointing really. Interestinng two days though. ann glos

Hi everyone thanks for all your replies. I have just phoned the Juror Helpline (as instructed in my letter) and I have to be in court at 10.30am tomorrow. Wish me luck! Annexx

My son recently was a juror at the coroners court. He was there from 9-30 in the morning until 7 in the evening.He found it very interesting The case was about a workman who been accidently killed at work. I was called for jury service when I was a nurse but I got excused because I worked in a Mental Health Clinic and there was a possibilty that I would know some of the people who were coming before the court Bren.