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Jury Service

Ensuring that criminal trials are conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the law.

Department

Ministry of Justice (MOJ) - Oversees courts, tribunals, prisons, probation services, and victim support. Through His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), it supports the administration of jury service and ensures justice is delivered fairly and transparently. 

Intent

To explain how individuals interact with the justice system in England and Wales through jury service, ensuring that criminal trials are conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with the law.

Interaction

To be called for jury service, you must be aged 18-75 and meet residency requirements. Eligible members of the public may be randomly selected and legally required to undertake jury service. Jury service is a vital civic duty that enables members of the public to participate directly in the justice system. Individuals who are summoned for jury service receive information about when and where to attend court, what support is available, and what is expected of them during their service, typically around nine weeks in advance.

Operational Delivery Profession (ODP) colleagues support jurors throughout the process by managing summons, attendance, expenses, accessibility requirements, and providing practical guidance. During a criminal trial, jurors listen to evidence presented by both the prosecution and defence, hear legal directions from the judge, and work with fellow jurors to reach a verdict based solely on the evidence presented in court. The jury service process is designed to ensure fairness, public participation, and confidence in the justice system.  

Responsibilities

  • Issue and manage jury summons and related correspondence 

  • Provide information and guidance to jurors before and during their service 

  • Support juror attendance, expenses claims, and accessibility requirements 

  • Manage jury administration systems and maintain accurate records 

  • Prepare court facilities and arrangements for jurors 

  • Support the smooth running of court proceedings involving juries 

  • Maintain security, confidentiality, and data protection standards 

  • Liaise with judges, court staff, legal professionals, and other justice partners 

  • Apply safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion requirements 

  • Ensure jurors are treated fairly and can carry out their civic duty effectively 

Collaboration

Organisation / Body

Role or Linked Process 

Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) 

Prosecutes criminal cases after police investigation. 

Police 

Investigate offences, gather evidence and bring cases forward. 

Legal Aid Agency (LAA) 

Funds legal representation for eligible individuals in civil and criminal cases. 

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) 

Provides the courts, judges, tribunals and processes for all justice hearings. 

Probation Service 

Supervises offenders in the community, supports rehabilitation and manages risk. 

Victim and Witness Support Services 

Provide practical and emotional support to those involved in cases heard before a jury. 

Civil Enforcement Agents 

Enforce debt judgments, repossessions, and court ordered actions.