Jury decision making (lecture 4)

How does jury selection work in England and Wales?

• 12 people randomly selected from ‘summonsed’, aged 18-75

• Around 2 weeks

• 1/6 chance of serving during lifetime

• Registered on electoral register

• Uk resident > 5 yrs

What permits jury excusal?

• Timing/unreasonable → can asked to be deferred within 12 months or apply for complete excusal with evidence.

• Previous jury service → cannot do twice within two years, right to be excused.

How can mental health come into disqualification of jury service?

Disqualified if:

• liable to be detained under mental health act

• Resident in hospital on account of mental disorder or subject to guardianship order or community treatment order

• Lack mental capacity to serve as juror

How can convictions come into disqualification of jury service?

Disqualified if:

• currently on bail in criminal proceedings

• Ever been sentenced to imprisonment of over 5 years, public protection or life

• In last 10 yrs have served any part of sentence, received suspended sentence or subject to community order.