Frequently Asked Questions

Why/how have I been picked for jury service?

• All Jurors are selected at random by computer from the electoral register. Everyone on the electoral register from the ages of 18 to 70 may be selected even if they are not eligible to serve on a Jury. Some people never get called, others get called more than once.

Do I have to serve?

• Jury service is a public duty. Unless someone is disqualified, has the right to be excused or has a valid reason for discretionary excusal then they must serve.

Can I be excused from Jury Service?

• Anyone else may apply for discretionary excusal. They should write the details on their summons reply in section 3 question C. A jury officer at the Bureau will make a decision as to if that person can be excused based on the details given. If a juror is refused excusal they have the right of appeal against this. The juror should put their reasons for appeal in writing addressed to the head of the Bureau.

Can I have my Jury Service deferred?

• Anyone can apply for deferral of their Jury Service. They should write the details why they wish to be deferred, e.g. they are going on holiday, on their summons reply in section 3 question A. Jurors should also provide us with any other dates when they cannot attend within the next twelve months so we are able to arrange a new date. A jury officer will make a decision as to if the person can be deferred and arrange a new date.
• Most applications for deferral are granted but as with excusal anyone refused deferral can appeal to the head of the bureau.
• Jury service can only be deferred once up to a maximum of twelve months from the original date.

How long will jury service last?

• Jury service is an average of ten working days but may be longer or shorter than this depending on which case the juror is put onto when they attend Court.

Will I get paid for being on Jury Service?

• Courts can pay for loss of earnings, travel costs and a subsistence rate.
• No payment is made to third parties such as employers.
• the rates payable to jurors are contained in an Allowances sheet sent to all those summoned for jury service