Discussion
I know finished last friday .I have just been called up too, my mrs said take a good book as she spent 2 weeks doing mostly nothing only 1 case that took half a day.
I have asked for it to be deferred as i am on holiday for the dates they want. Shame as i want to do it , hopefully the new dates will be more suitable.
I have asked for it to be deferred as i am on holiday for the dates they want. Shame as i want to do it , hopefully the new dates will be more suitable.
Agreed - very interesting if called. For me it was 25 years ago.
I was lucky and had an interesting first case.
Back in the jury room, I was surprised that the ladies suggested the first priority was a cuppa and place the sandwich order, before we sat down but we then settled for a long chat about the case. They made me foreman and I was surprised at the way bigotted opinions came out from some quarters which made reaching a decision very difficult.
In the end, I felt happy we made the right decision but above all, I saw how the newspapers reported the days events sensationally and I think bent the actual report to suit paper sales, and my final view was that first hand, I saw the British legal system at its best. I think it works and it was good to see.
I was called for a second case the next day, we started to hear the story and it included calling the first witness, a Postie delivering something sensitive before HMRC pounced ( as they sometimes do ) and one of the jurors put his hand up and said he knew the postie.
That was enough to get us all discharged and I was released, and I was sweating cos I was off to France the following week and had fingers crossed that I would have to scrap the holiday.
I've often wondered about dropping into the public gallery to see another case but never had the time. Do it.
I was lucky and had an interesting first case.
Back in the jury room, I was surprised that the ladies suggested the first priority was a cuppa and place the sandwich order, before we sat down but we then settled for a long chat about the case. They made me foreman and I was surprised at the way bigotted opinions came out from some quarters which made reaching a decision very difficult.
In the end, I felt happy we made the right decision but above all, I saw how the newspapers reported the days events sensationally and I think bent the actual report to suit paper sales, and my final view was that first hand, I saw the British legal system at its best. I think it works and it was good to see.
I was called for a second case the next day, we started to hear the story and it included calling the first witness, a Postie delivering something sensitive before HMRC pounced ( as they sometimes do ) and one of the jurors put his hand up and said he knew the postie.
That was enough to get us all discharged and I was released, and I was sweating cos I was off to France the following week and had fingers crossed that I would have to scrap the holiday.
I've often wondered about dropping into the public gallery to see another case but never had the time. Do it.
I did two weeks and didn't get a single trial. I was called up once but rejected in the court room (they call fifteen and dismiss three). I did it at Manchester and there were plenty of videos and a snooker table. As others said - be prepared to do lots of sitting about and wear clothes you will be comfortable in.
Hoofy said:
What happens if you run your own business and it's a one-man band for which you have certain appointments you've agreed to?
You can ask to be excused. Usually they'll let you off if you can show your business will suffer or have other commitments.Good to hear.
I know there are some negative posts here, and I understand why. However, when I was called up, I was delighted. Firstly because, well, despite a lot of sitting around, it's still an interesting thing to be involved in. Not so many people get to do it.
Secondly, I found it a privilege to be asked to contribute to a process that is steeped in history, and part of the culture of fairness and integrity that this country is built upon. Yes, it's not perfect and it has it's flaws - but all things considered, we are fortunate to live here and have a legal system such as ours.
I was also being asked to become part of a forum upon which the outcome of people's lives and destiny rested. A grave responsibility, I'm sure you'll agree. And something that I accepted with that responsibility in mind.
However, I ended up doing only two days, because I was called to do inquests. Both days were completely full for me, presiding over 6 cases in all. So for me, it was extremely interesting, with no sitting around waiting at all.
I was well aware that there were families present in all the cases, all of which involved the early and untimely deaths of the people concerned. Hence, the families were all still in a state of shock, emotional, and looking to us to provide a modicum of closure to the deaths of their loved ones.
In a way, I suppose this was more compelling than being involved in a criminal trial?
I am happy to say that my jury peers were as equally concerned as me, to treat the cases seriously and with respect. I didn't have anyone on my jury whom I felt was out of place, lazy, or treating it flippantly. So it was a delight to be able to discuss the verdicts with them, and respect everyone's opinions and ideas. We returned unanimous verdicts in all the cases, and the court and the families seemed to be happy with our findings. We were also able to express recommendations for future legislation involving machinery, to hopefully prevent similar deaths in the future.
I loved it, and I hope you do too.
I know there are some negative posts here, and I understand why. However, when I was called up, I was delighted. Firstly because, well, despite a lot of sitting around, it's still an interesting thing to be involved in. Not so many people get to do it.
Secondly, I found it a privilege to be asked to contribute to a process that is steeped in history, and part of the culture of fairness and integrity that this country is built upon. Yes, it's not perfect and it has it's flaws - but all things considered, we are fortunate to live here and have a legal system such as ours.
I was also being asked to become part of a forum upon which the outcome of people's lives and destiny rested. A grave responsibility, I'm sure you'll agree. And something that I accepted with that responsibility in mind.
However, I ended up doing only two days, because I was called to do inquests. Both days were completely full for me, presiding over 6 cases in all. So for me, it was extremely interesting, with no sitting around waiting at all.
I was well aware that there were families present in all the cases, all of which involved the early and untimely deaths of the people concerned. Hence, the families were all still in a state of shock, emotional, and looking to us to provide a modicum of closure to the deaths of their loved ones.
In a way, I suppose this was more compelling than being involved in a criminal trial?
I am happy to say that my jury peers were as equally concerned as me, to treat the cases seriously and with respect. I didn't have anyone on my jury whom I felt was out of place, lazy, or treating it flippantly. So it was a delight to be able to discuss the verdicts with them, and respect everyone's opinions and ideas. We returned unanimous verdicts in all the cases, and the court and the families seemed to be happy with our findings. We were also able to express recommendations for future legislation involving machinery, to hopefully prevent similar deaths in the future.
I loved it, and I hope you do too.
Hoofy said:
What happens if you run your own business and it's a one-man band for which you have certain appointments you've agreed to?
I was in the same boat. I just explained that I needed to answer the phone during working hours and it wasn't possible or practical to get someone else to do it plus it would damage my business not being able to do jobs for clients.
Quite simple really.
I've been called 3 times but only did it twice, as the 3rd time I was called was within the exemption period following the 2nd call up.
1st time I was called I was 2 months past my 18 birthday, to the Central Criminal Court (The Old Baily) and got a fairly heavy duty trial. Absolutely fabulous experience. Getting to know my fellow jurors, watching the trial unfold, trying to reach a decision (there were 3 accuseds each facing 2 charges ).
That was 33 yrs ago, and I consider myself very lucky.
2nd time was to a smaller West London crown court, and a lot of waiting around, and all a bit dull. Guess I was spoilt by the Old Baily. Did manage to start and finish Solzhenitsyn's "August 1914" so wasn't all bad. And I was foreman.
1st time I was called I was 2 months past my 18 birthday, to the Central Criminal Court (The Old Baily) and got a fairly heavy duty trial. Absolutely fabulous experience. Getting to know my fellow jurors, watching the trial unfold, trying to reach a decision (there were 3 accuseds each facing 2 charges ).
That was 33 yrs ago, and I consider myself very lucky.
2nd time was to a smaller West London crown court, and a lot of waiting around, and all a bit dull. Guess I was spoilt by the Old Baily. Did manage to start and finish Solzhenitsyn's "August 1914" so wasn't all bad. And I was foreman.
GTIR said:
Hoofy said:
What happens if you run your own business and it's a one-man band for which you have certain appointments you've agreed to?
I was in the same boat. I just explained that I needed to answer the phone during working hours and it wasn't possible or practical to get someone else to do it plus it would damage my business not being able to do jobs for clients.
Quite simple really.
Ganglandboss said:
You can ask to be excused. Usually they'll let you off if you can show your business will suffer or have other commitments.
Ah, thanks, guys.Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
Good to hear.
I know there are some negative posts here, and I understand why. However, when I was called up, I was delighted. Firstly because, well, despite a lot of sitting around, it's still an interesting thing to be involved in. Not so many people get to do it.
Secondly, I found it a privilege to be asked to contribute to a process that is steeped in history, and part of the culture of fairness and integrity that this country is built upon. Yes, it's not perfect and it has it's flaws - but all things considered, we are fortunate to live here and have a legal system such as ours.
I was also being asked to become part of a forum upon which the outcome of people's lives and destiny rested. A grave responsibility, I'm sure you'll agree. And something that I accepted with that responsibility in mind.
However, I ended up doing only two days, because I was called to do inquests. Both days were completely full for me, presiding over 6 cases in all. So for me, it was extremely interesting, with no sitting around waiting at all.
I was well aware that there were families present in all the cases, all of which involved the early and untimely deaths of the people concerned. Hence, the families were all still in a state of shock, emotional, and looking to us to provide a modicum of closure to the deaths of their loved ones.
In a way, I suppose this was more compelling than being involved in a criminal trial?
I am happy to say that my jury peers were as equally concerned as me, to treat the cases seriously and with respect. I didn't have anyone on my jury whom I felt was out of place, lazy, or treating it flippantly. So it was a delight to be able to discuss the verdicts with them, and respect everyone's opinions and ideas. We returned unanimous verdicts in all the cases, and the court and the families seemed to be happy with our findings. We were also able to express recommendations for future legislation involving machinery, to hopefully prevent similar deaths in the future.
I loved it, and I hope you do too.
Totally agree with this. I was called up about 10 years ago and was delighted. I undertook my Jury Duty at Winchester Crown court and presided over two cases - the first, a murder and the second, an accusation of attempted murder. The process was absolutely fascinating and in both cases, I felt that we reached the right decision (guilty for the first and not guilty for the second). I know there are some negative posts here, and I understand why. However, when I was called up, I was delighted. Firstly because, well, despite a lot of sitting around, it's still an interesting thing to be involved in. Not so many people get to do it.
Secondly, I found it a privilege to be asked to contribute to a process that is steeped in history, and part of the culture of fairness and integrity that this country is built upon. Yes, it's not perfect and it has it's flaws - but all things considered, we are fortunate to live here and have a legal system such as ours.
I was also being asked to become part of a forum upon which the outcome of people's lives and destiny rested. A grave responsibility, I'm sure you'll agree. And something that I accepted with that responsibility in mind.
However, I ended up doing only two days, because I was called to do inquests. Both days were completely full for me, presiding over 6 cases in all. So for me, it was extremely interesting, with no sitting around waiting at all.
I was well aware that there were families present in all the cases, all of which involved the early and untimely deaths of the people concerned. Hence, the families were all still in a state of shock, emotional, and looking to us to provide a modicum of closure to the deaths of their loved ones.
In a way, I suppose this was more compelling than being involved in a criminal trial?
I am happy to say that my jury peers were as equally concerned as me, to treat the cases seriously and with respect. I didn't have anyone on my jury whom I felt was out of place, lazy, or treating it flippantly. So it was a delight to be able to discuss the verdicts with them, and respect everyone's opinions and ideas. We returned unanimous verdicts in all the cases, and the court and the families seemed to be happy with our findings. We were also able to express recommendations for future legislation involving machinery, to hopefully prevent similar deaths in the future.
I loved it, and I hope you do too.
It is not something to be taken lightly as people's lives and futures are in your hands. It can be very boring if you aren't selected or re discharged so it's worth taking a good book.
For me, if I was called again, I'd attend without hesitation.
schmalex said:
Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
Good to hear.
I know there are some negative posts here, and I understand why. However, when I was called up, I was delighted. Firstly because, well, despite a lot of sitting around, it's still an interesting thing to be involved in. Not so many people get to do it.
Secondly, I found it a privilege to be asked to contribute to a process that is steeped in history, and part of the culture of fairness and integrity that this country is built upon. Yes, it's not perfect and it has it's flaws - but all things considered, we are fortunate to live here and have a legal system such as ours.
I was also being asked to become part of a forum upon which the outcome of people's lives and destiny rested. A grave responsibility, I'm sure you'll agree. And something that I accepted with that responsibility in mind.
However, I ended up doing only two days, because I was called to do inquests. Both days were completely full for me, presiding over 6 cases in all. So for me, it was extremely interesting, with no sitting around waiting at all.
I was well aware that there were families present in all the cases, all of which involved the early and untimely deaths of the people concerned. Hence, the families were all still in a state of shock, emotional, and looking to us to provide a modicum of closure to the deaths of their loved ones.
In a way, I suppose this was more compelling than being involved in a criminal trial?
I am happy to say that my jury peers were as equally concerned as me, to treat the cases seriously and with respect. I didn't have anyone on my jury whom I felt was out of place, lazy, or treating it flippantly. So it was a delight to be able to discuss the verdicts with them, and respect everyone's opinions and ideas. We returned unanimous verdicts in all the cases, and the court and the families seemed to be happy with our findings. We were also able to express recommendations for future legislation involving machinery, to hopefully prevent similar deaths in the future.
I loved it, and I hope you do too.
Totally agree with this. I was called up about 10 years ago and was delighted. I undertook my Jury Duty at Winchester Crown court and presided over two cases - the first, a murder and the second, an accusation of attempted murder. The process was absolutely fascinating and in both cases, I felt that we reached the right decision (guilty for the first and not guilty for the second). I know there are some negative posts here, and I understand why. However, when I was called up, I was delighted. Firstly because, well, despite a lot of sitting around, it's still an interesting thing to be involved in. Not so many people get to do it.
Secondly, I found it a privilege to be asked to contribute to a process that is steeped in history, and part of the culture of fairness and integrity that this country is built upon. Yes, it's not perfect and it has it's flaws - but all things considered, we are fortunate to live here and have a legal system such as ours.
I was also being asked to become part of a forum upon which the outcome of people's lives and destiny rested. A grave responsibility, I'm sure you'll agree. And something that I accepted with that responsibility in mind.
However, I ended up doing only two days, because I was called to do inquests. Both days were completely full for me, presiding over 6 cases in all. So for me, it was extremely interesting, with no sitting around waiting at all.
I was well aware that there were families present in all the cases, all of which involved the early and untimely deaths of the people concerned. Hence, the families were all still in a state of shock, emotional, and looking to us to provide a modicum of closure to the deaths of their loved ones.
In a way, I suppose this was more compelling than being involved in a criminal trial?
I am happy to say that my jury peers were as equally concerned as me, to treat the cases seriously and with respect. I didn't have anyone on my jury whom I felt was out of place, lazy, or treating it flippantly. So it was a delight to be able to discuss the verdicts with them, and respect everyone's opinions and ideas. We returned unanimous verdicts in all the cases, and the court and the families seemed to be happy with our findings. We were also able to express recommendations for future legislation involving machinery, to hopefully prevent similar deaths in the future.
I loved it, and I hope you do too.
It is not something to be taken lightly as people's lives and futures are in your hands. It can be very boring if you aren't selected or re discharged so it's worth taking a good book.
For me, if I was called again, I'd attend without hesitation.
A better class of Courthouse, I felt...
I was expecting to sit around for two weeks doing nothing. Ended up on a 6 week trial to do with smuggling cigarettes. Was quite interesting and also quite frustrating at the same time as the prosecution had a very large but also very weak case.
When they were selecting the jury they called all the people who were waiting into the court and asked as people were chosen whether they were able to sit on a long case. Some people thought that this meant that you could just give a half arsed excuse as to why you'd rather not but the judge quickly put an end to any of those types of aspirations!!
IIRC if you worked for a very small company or had to care for someone else then you might have had an excuse but other than that you were in.
When they were selecting the jury they called all the people who were waiting into the court and asked as people were chosen whether they were able to sit on a long case. Some people thought that this meant that you could just give a half arsed excuse as to why you'd rather not but the judge quickly put an end to any of those types of aspirations!!
IIRC if you worked for a very small company or had to care for someone else then you might have had an excuse but other than that you were in.
Edited by BMWBen on Saturday 28th June 08:04
Forums | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff