Juries

Jurors are integral to the efficient, effective and fair running of the Crown Court system. The Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunals Service recognise the importance of making optimal use of jurors’ time, and of minimising unnecessary or avoidable waiting.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service continually keeps juror utilisation under review. However, before their period of service, all jurors are advised that some waiting may occur, and that not all those called will ultimately sit on a trial. This reflects the legal requirement for juries to be selected at random from the panel of those summoned; as well as the need to ensure sufficient juror capacity at Crown Court sites with sufficient flexibility to manage around the unavoidable uncertainty over whether scheduled trials will start on time or at all. Given the inherent need to achieve this balance, courts take steps to manage juror attendance. This includes the active management of juror panels based on the likelihood of need, and the use of digital communications to provide timely updates, including asking jurors to attend later or not attend when they are no longer required on particular days.