Jury Service

[PetroDollarWarrior]

I had Jury service last month at Southwark CC. A lot of waiting around - bring laptop/ipad/book etc. I got called for 2 cases - judge informed us that they would be long cases (at least 8-10 weeks) and asked if anyone had an issue with that, to discuss with him. My name was pulled out of the hat twice and on both occasion the judge left me go after explaining my situation - one man band / financial hardship etc. Was excused after two days and IPSE paid £500/day for 2 days which took the sting out of missing two days rate (business interruption insurance - part of ISPE membership.

[SueEllen]

However, whilst it is undoubtedly inconvenient and potentially expensive, I am pleased that is is more difficult to get out of than it used to be and also that one can only get deferment.

Why?

Because juries had become largely unrepresentative of the population. If the only people not getting out of service were the unemployed career criminals/scroungers it is hardly surprising the some of the verdicts returned could be a bit odd.

You forgot students and retired people. I knew a few people who were called up when they were 18 and others who were retired before the rules changed

In other words the demographic of a jury use to be day time TVs audience.