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Jury service
Mar. 7th, 2007 10:34 pmQuick summary of what Jury Service means, for those who haven't tried it:
Monday: turn up at court. Wonder why a 12-man jury needs 30 people. Get video briefing, look around the courtroom, and a talk about what to expect. Wait while clerk nips back every half hour to say "The Judge is just sorting something out, we should know what's happening in a few minutes". Eventually find out that one defendant has fled the country, the main prosecution witness is in chokey, other witnesses can't be found and the CPS has given up in disgust. Go home via shops, as it's too late to get to work.
Tuesday: turn up at court. Wonder where 10 of yesterday's 30 people are. Wait while clerk nips back every half hour to say "The Judge is just sorting something out, we should know what's happening in a few minutes". Eventually find out that the defendant has decided to plead guilty and so no trial is needed. Go home via shops, as it's too late to get to work (all he had to do was omit to say "not"! How can that take all day?!).
Wednesday: turn up at court. Wait while clerk nips back every.. no, wait! File into courtroom and wait for name to be called. Hope one of the 12 jurors will be challenged so you have another chance for your name to be called. File out of courtroom and wait, hoping one of the 12 jurors will be challenged so you have another chance for your name to be called. Get told you're not needed anymore. Go to work via shops, as it's too early to go home.
Main advice: take a good book :-)
Monday: turn up at court. Wonder why a 12-man jury needs 30 people. Get video briefing, look around the courtroom, and a talk about what to expect. Wait while clerk nips back every half hour to say "The Judge is just sorting something out, we should know what's happening in a few minutes". Eventually find out that one defendant has fled the country, the main prosecution witness is in chokey, other witnesses can't be found and the CPS has given up in disgust. Go home via shops, as it's too late to get to work.
Tuesday: turn up at court. Wonder where 10 of yesterday's 30 people are. Wait while clerk nips back every half hour to say "The Judge is just sorting something out, we should know what's happening in a few minutes". Eventually find out that the defendant has decided to plead guilty and so no trial is needed. Go home via shops, as it's too late to get to work (all he had to do was omit to say "not"! How can that take all day?!).
Wednesday: turn up at court. Wait while clerk nips back every.. no, wait! File into courtroom and wait for name to be called. Hope one of the 12 jurors will be challenged so you have another chance for your name to be called. File out of courtroom and wait, hoping one of the 12 jurors will be challenged so you have another chance for your name to be called. Get told you're not needed anymore. Go to work via shops, as it's too early to go home.
Main advice: take a good book :-)
