Jury service a 'much-improved' experience
A Department of Justice spokesman has said that there have been “significant improvements” in the juror experience in recent years.
The department is currently undertaking a review of jury service, informed by the Law Reform Commission’s report on jury service, as well as submissions made by stakeholders including the Bar Council and Law Society, as well as legislative and policy developments in related areas over the past number of years.
Protection of rights
“Jury service is one of the most important civic duties that an individual can be asked to perform, and it exists to protect an individual's rights, and to involve the public in the administration of justice,” the justice spokesman said.
Information for potential jurors on jury duty is posted with jury summonses, and potential jurors are advised that more detailed information can be found on the Courts Service website, he added.
No expenses are paid to people called for jury duty, but lunch and refreshments are provided for those who ultimately serve on a jury.
The Law Society Gazette recently published a two-part anonymised account of jury service that praised many aspects of the experience but also had some suggestions for improvement.
Digital summons
Recent upgrades by the Courts Service include the introduction of a digitised jury summons and response process via an online jury portal, which is also an accessible way for jurors to learn about the trial process and what to expect.
The Courts Service has also invested in the provision of improved jury facilities in modernised courthouses across the country, which take into account privacy, security, as well as refreshment needs for jurors.