UK Law Articles
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The Times
November 11 1999
Two thirds opt out of jury duty
BY STEWART TENDLER, CRIME CORRESPONDENT
MORE than two thirds of people called for jury service never see the inside of a court, because they are excused or are found to be ineligible or are exempt, according to Home Office research published yesterday.
Of the remaining one third, half have their service deferred and may never sit in court either. The Home Office study, completed as ministers prepare to launch a national clearing house for juries next year, examined 50,000 jurors called over a six week period.
The research found that about 38 per cent of the 50,000 were excused. In 40 per cent of these cases the reason given was a medical condition and another 20 per cent said they were looking after children or elderly relatives. The survey also found another 23 per cent were released because they or their employers said they could not afford time off work.
Another 13 per cent proved to be ineligible, such as lawyers or police officers, exempt through age, those under 18 or over 70, or, like some offenders, disqualified.
The jurors excused also included 315 disabled people. This group involved 34 per cent who were deaf or had hearing problems, 18 per cent who were in wheelchairs or had mobility problems and 6 per cent who were blind. The researchers also found that summonses did not reach 8 per cent of potential jurors and 7 per cent simply never turned up.
The courts were left with 34 per cent or the original total: about 16,600 from the 50,000 sent summonses. But about half this group had their jury service deferred, often because of holidays or work. Researchers noted that "significant numbers" were later given a further deferral or were excused.
The new central summoning centre will take over the selection and summoning of juries from local crown courts. Staff based in London will deal with requests for deferrals and excuses.
