I've never been called up for jury service. I suspect that if I was called up now the defendants would turn me down as I look too much like an old git.
I got called up about 20 years ago. Was more than happy to do it but rang them as no food was allowed in the court. Explained that I was diabetic and that I might have to eat something if my sugar levels started to drop. Made it quite clear I was happy to do it but received a letter a week later saying I had been excused. Never been asked since. My wife's step mum was in the group for the Rose West trial. They whittled it down from about 50 to the final 12. She made it to the last selection stage and to her great relief, was cut
Called up once never had a case. Ended up out of pocket because of childcare, but not massively. There's someone I work with who gets called up all the time. My other half has never had it happen.
Fortunately after the last case I sat on which lasted 184 days, the judge said we could all be excused if called upon again. I'm hoping the system is joined up enough for that to be the case.
Did it for the full two weeks last year (my second time) at Woolwich Crown Court.
Interesting but very disturbing case. Girl and boy (15 and 13 respectively at time of incidents). Boy up for four charges of sexual assault and two of rape.
The whole process restored a bit of faith in the justice system from my point of view in the way the judge, lawyers and fellow jurors acted.
I got called up about 20 years ago. Was more than happy to do it but rang them as no food was allowed in the court. Explained that I was diabetic and that I might have to eat something if my sugar levels started to drop. Made it quite clear I was happy to do it but received a letter a week later saying I had been excused. Never been asked since. My wife's step mum was in the group for the Rose West trial. They whittled it down from about 50 to the final 12. She made it to the last selection stage and to her great relief, was cut
Never been called, can't decide if I think it sounds interesting or if it would be a lot of waiting about being bored.
Always going to depend on the case you get. Mine was interested but because of the ages and circumstances of the people involved we had to break for 15 minutes every 35 minutes so it dragged.
We spent two and a half days coming to our six verdicts - that's tough because you can't leave the room, go for lunch, have a phone etc.
Done it once, had 2 cases, was foreman for one. Went for a few meals/pub with most of the first jury as we all got on well so that was good. Really enjoyed the whole experience.
Did it for the full two weeks last year (my second time) at Woolwich Crown Court.
Interesting but very disturbing case. Girl and boy (15 and 13 respectively at time of incidents). Boy up for four charges of sexual assault and two of rape.
The whole process restored a bit of faith in the justice system from my point of view in the way the judge, lawyers and fellow jurors acted.
I had the opposite experience, hence me suggesting professional, retained juries. One said he'd just vote with the majority, another couple kept asking others to make their minds up because they wanted to go home. Luckily there were a few of us on there to ensure they eventually realised we were not going to reach a quick decision to appease them and that they needed to take their duties seriously.
I too had a rape case, young boy met a guy on line, then in person at a park where he agreed to go back to the guy's house and was then subjected to an assault leading to rape. Was satisfying to send him down.
Comments
Horrendous case and never want to do it again.
One week of sitting around waiting to be called and 4 days of a trial.
The defendant used to sit on his motorbike outside of the court each morning and say 'good morning' to each of the jurors as we walked in.
Interesting but very disturbing case. Girl and boy (15 and 13 respectively at time of incidents). Boy up for four charges of sexual assault and two of rape.
The whole process restored a bit of faith in the justice system from my point of view in the way the judge, lawyers and fellow jurors acted.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/charles-kray-gets-12-years-for-drug-plot-1257663.html
We spent two and a half days coming to our six verdicts - that's tough because you can't leave the room, go for lunch, have a phone etc.
Done it three times, said no for the fourth, all at different addresses.
I too had a rape case, young boy met a guy on line, then in person at a park where he agreed to go back to the guy's house and was then subjected to an assault leading to rape. Was satisfying to send him down.