Jury Service

Jury service is something that some people may be asked to do in their lifetime. Being on a jury is a 'civic duty' and helps decide the outcome of criminal (and civil) trials in a court.

What a jury does

• A jury decides whether someone is innocent or guilty of committing a serious crime - like murder, rape, burglary or fraud.

• You may be asked to be on a jury at a civil trial - like a personal injury case.

• A jury is made up of 12 members of the public, randomly selected using the electoral registers.

When you can’t be on a jury

• Ever had a prison or youth custody sentence of more than five years

• Have been in prison or youth custody for any length of time in the last ten years

• Have or have had a mental health condition or mental disability

Being asked to do jury service

• If you're selected for jury service, you’re sent a 'jury summons'. This tells you the time and date you need to be at court.

• You must complete and return it to the Jury Central Summoning Bureau within seven days from the day you get it.

• You’re then sent details of how to get to the court and what to expect once you're there.

How long jury service lasts

• Jury service usually lasts for up to ten working days.

• Many trials last only two or three days, so you may be on a jury for another trial.

• If a case is complex (like fraud) it could take longer than ten days. You’re asked at the court if this would cause you any difficulties.

Asking to be excused from jury service

• If you can't do jury service at any time during the next 12 months you must state the reason on the form. You’re normally asked to give evidence - like a letter from your doctor about a medical condition you have.

• If you have served on a jury within the previous two years you have a right to be excused.

Childcare costs - or if you're caring for someone

• You can claim for child minding costs from the court if:

• You don't normally have a child minder but need one because of jury service (it's not part of your usual childcare arrangements)

• You do normally have a child minder but need them for more hours than usual because of jury service

The same applies if you need to employ a carer to look after someone you normally care for.

Claiming loss of earnings and other costs

• Jury service is unpaid but you can normally claim an allowance for certain things up to a certain amount. This includes travel costs and loss of earnings.

• You make a claim at the end of the period of jury service. On your first day, the jury manager explains how to claim your expenses.

• Financial support and benefits (like Jobseeker's Allowance) are unaffected for the first eight weeks while on jury service.

If your jury service lasts longer than this, contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. You can also contact the court for advice.