So I've got Jury Duty tomorrow...

Mr Benevolent · 10-05-2010 7:02pm #1

Who's done it? Is it fun? Interesting? Exciting? Unlikely I know, but I've watched far too many movies about it. All I know is that you're not guaranteed to be called up, especially not if you're as good-looking as I am.

Any hints? Tips?

JONJO THE MISER · 10-05-2010 7:04pm

Yes if there is any sign of a skanger in them, go with a guilty verdict and save the decent people from having to look and deal with these scum on a daily basis.

orourkeda · 10-05-2010 7:06pm

Dont forget to claim off your house insurance when youre finished.

Mention it to your home insurance company to see if you're entitled to make a claim.

Hank_Jones · 10-05-2010 7:07pm

When I was called up to do it the judge went on holidays and the jury was no longer needed for the case.
Quite the waste of time that was.

rizzla · 10-05-2010 7:12pm

Yeah I did it. Thought it was great, very tiring though. Living with the decision you will make at the very end always weighs heavy and makes you pay attention to everything being said and presented to you.

We had a Jessica Fletcher type girl in our jury, constantly coming up with bizare scenarios.

Degsy · 10-05-2010 7:16pm

I have a jury summons for June sometime..my ex girlfriend is on trial soon for murder so it'd be a beautiful coincidence if i was on the jury!

Revenge is a dish best served cold my friendssss!

AnonoBoy · 10-05-2010 7:17pm

Degsy wrote: »

I have a jury summons for June sometime..my ex girlfriend is on trial soon for murder so it'd be a beautiful coincidence if i was on the jury!

Revenge is a dish best served cold my friendssss!

Seriously?

That sounds like a movie script waiting to happen. Although they'd probably have you off the jury in a minute if she recognises you.

dsmythy · 10-05-2010 7:17pm

Confab wrote: »

Who's done it? Is it fun? Interesting? Exciting? Unlikely I know, but I've watched far too many movies about it. All I know is that you're not guaranteed to be called up, especially not if you're as good-looking as I am.

Any hints? Tips?

Say you believe everyone is guilty until proven innocent and you'll be home in no time.

Overheal · 10-05-2010 7:23pm

Its a civic duty and a priviledge. You want to know that when its you on trial that your panel is made of responsible jurors who will weigh the case fairly. Be fair and objective to all sides of the case.

In fairness though you're being screened for Jury Duty, you may not even make it to a trial. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_selection

Its not a paid service (you'll get lunch, but no travel etc) but its best to think of it as one of your responsibilities which is tied into your own right to justice. I think its rather hypocritical of anyone to complain about jury duty and at the same time demand unfettered access to the system. If you are on trial it means 12 (or more) Jurors have agreed to hear your case at the expense of their time and give you their impartiality. To not return the favor when called reeks of hypocrisy.

ntlbell · 10-05-2010 7:25pm

Confab wrote: »

Who's done it? Is it fun? Interesting? Exciting? Unlikely I know, but I've watched far too many movies about it. All I know is that you're not guaranteed to be called up, especially not if you're as good-looking as I am.

Any hints? Tips?

bring food!

ipod!

books!

newspapers!

Scarydoll · 10-05-2010 7:25pm

Hank_Jones wrote: »

When I was called up to do it the judge went on holidays and the jury was no longer needed for the case.
Quite the waste of time that was.

That happened to me too. I found it quite funny at the time.

Mr Benevolent · 10-05-2010 7:26pm

Overheal wrote: »

Its a civic duty and a priviledge. You want to know that when its you on trial that your panel is made of responsible jurors who will weigh the case fairly. Be fair and objective to all sides of the case.

In fairness though you're being screened for Jury Duty, you may not even make it to a trial. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_selection

Its not a paid service (you'll get lunch, but no travel etc) but its best to think of it as one of your responsibilities which is tied into your own right to justice. I think its rather hypocritical of anyone to complain about jury duty and at the same time demand unfettered access to the system. If you are on trial it means 12 (or more) Jurors have agreed to hear your case at the expense of their time and give you their impartiality. To not return the favor when called reeks of hypocrisy.

Uh, I'm not complaining about doing it, just want to know what others have experienced doing it...

Mars Bar · 10-05-2010 7:27pm

Degsy wrote: »

I have a jury summons for June sometime..my ex girlfriend is on trial soon for murder so it'd be a beautiful coincidence if i was on the jury!

Revenge is a dish best served cold my friendssss!

First you are hanging off a cliff and now you have a murderous ex - girlfriend?!

WTF man?!

thetonynator · 10-05-2010 7:28pm

Don't mention any details of anything about it on the internet or you could end up in trouble, and the case will be all messed up.

Biggins · 10-05-2010 7:31pm

Depending on what case it is - probably duty for an accident, cause of death decision or one more rarer case of non-accidental death - do expect to be bored most of the time, expect that most like yourself will have no clue just what to expect, expect that those with forthright opinions will soon make themselves known and some of those to be quick too pass judgement before full evidence is in. Expect to hear a lot of legal mumbo-jumbo, expect to be like in a room that is quite like a library in a number of ways.

Expect to have your eyes opened in some ways that you never thought of.

Degsy · 10-05-2010 7:35pm

mars bar wrote: »

you have a murderous ex - girlfriend?!

WTF man?!

You mean you havnt?

jahalpin · 10-05-2010 7:38pm

I finished on a jury just over 2 weeks ago and the experience was actually very good.

The new Criminal Courts of Justice are actually very nice and, obviously, very modern.

The actual jury selection process is a bit frustrating as you are all sitting in a large room with a video link to the court and the clerk calls out the details of the case and then selects around 30 names from a box. If you are called you go over to the court and either;
- Make excuses to the judge as to why you can't serve on the jury
- Get objected to by the barristers
- Take the jury oath

Once the jury is selected you are sent to the jury room, which is room with a board table and 12 chairs, a tea\coffee area and 2 toilets.

You are provided with lunch everyday, you get a choice of 3 or 4 main courses and soup (except on Monday, when you only get a salad and soup)

We were normally called into the court at around 11.30 and stayed there until around 1. We went back after lunch at around 2.15 and stayed in the court until around 4.

The jury will sometimes be sent out so that the judge and barristers can discuss legal issues etc.

Mars Bar · 10-05-2010 7:39pm

Degsy wrote: »

You mean you havnt?

Well, no!
I'm not a lesbian.

John Lynch Ph.D · 10-05-2010 7:40pm

Biggins wrote: »

Depending on what case it is - probably duty for an accident, cause of death decision or one more rarer case of non-accidental death - do expect to be bored most of the time, expect that

It could be any type of case, not just relating to death.

Dravokivich · 10-05-2010 7:40pm

was avail for selection for jury duty... just spent the whole week in the basement of the 4 courts... I'm due to be doing it again next month...

thanks man... you me reminded me to tell'em i'm going to be out of the country at the time... er... really need to do that tomorrow...

pirelli · 10-05-2010 7:41pm

Lets not forget that many innocent people get wrongly convicted. Sometimes your the only person between justice and injustice.

Read some these cases.

http://www.innocent.org.uk/

http://www.google.ie/search?q=innocent&hl=en&prmd=vni&source=univ&tbs=nws:1&tbo=u&ei=y2DoS_qMKt6kOPDx7YIE&sa=X&oi=news_group&ct=title&resnum=13&ved=0CGQQsQQwDA

Biggins · 10-05-2010 7:43pm

John Lynch Ph.D wrote: »

It could be any type of case, not just relating to death.

Very true. Expect it to probably be a mundane routine case to be honest OP.

Dravokivich · 10-05-2010 7:49pm

Biggins wrote: »

Very true. Expect it to probably be a mundane routine case to be honest OP.

Yeha.. oddly enough... some of the cases I saw related to "Burglary" or "Assault & Burglary..."

There I was thinking it was gonna be like "12 Angry Men"...

bobblepuzzle · 10-05-2010 7:50pm

JONJO THE MISER wrote: »

Yes if there is any sign of a skanger in them, go with a guilty verdict and save the decent people from having to look and deal with these scum on a daily basis.

At least now he can claim he's become biased with this post... and can't do it :pac:

Paparazzo · 10-05-2010 7:56pm

Overheal wrote: »

Its a civic duty and a priviledge. You want to know that when its you on trial that your panel is made of responsible jurors who will weigh the case fairly. Be fair and objective to all sides of the case.

In fairness though you're being screened for Jury Duty, you may not even make it to a trial. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_selection

Its not a paid service (you'll get lunch, but no travel etc) but its best to think of it as one of your responsibilities which is tied into your own right to justice. I think its rather hypocritical of anyone to complain about jury duty and at the same time demand unfettered access to the system. If you are on trial it means 12 (or more) Jurors have agreed to hear your case at the expense of their time and give you their impartiality. To not return the favor when called reeks of hypocrisy.

Congratulations, you just convinced me to never try and get out of jury duty

10-05-2010 7:57pm

Overheal wrote: »

If you are on trial it means 12 (or more) Jurors have agreed to hear your case at the expense of their time and give you their impartiality. To not return the favor when called reeks of hypocrisy.

I don't think everyone intends to be on trial at some point in their life

Dravokivich · 10-05-2010 7:57pm

Tar.Aldarionftw wrote: »

At least now he can claim he's become biased with this post... and can't do it :pac:

You'd want to be carefull doing that... the Judge can fine you for acting the b0ll0x.

recylingbin · 10-05-2010 7:59pm

Confab wrote: »

Who's done it??

Twas the butler.

peanuthead · 10-05-2010 7:59pm

Degsy wrote: »

I have a jury summons for June sometime..my ex girlfriend is on trial soon for murder so it'd be a beautiful coincidence if i was on the jury!

Revenge is a dish best served cold my friendssss!

AnonoBoy wrote: »

Seriously?

That sounds like a movie script waiting to happen. Although they'd probably have you off the jury in a minute if she recognises you.

Yeah, seriously? :eek::eek:

Degsy · 10-05-2010 8:01pm

peanuthead wrote: »

Yeah, seriously? :eek::eek:

I can provide a link if required but i really dont wanna!

Mr Benevolent · 10-05-2010 8:02pm

Degsy wrote: »

I can provide a link if required but i really dont wanna!

I wouldn't if I were you mate.

peanuthead · 10-05-2010 8:10pm

Confab wrote: »

I wouldn't if I were you mate.

Neither would I but g'wan..

bobblepuzzle · 10-05-2010 8:10pm

Anyone know what the penalty is for missing some days from jury duty for acting the b0ll0x, too hungover for example? :eek:

Dord · 10-05-2010 8:11pm

I did it late last year and it was certainly an experience. About 70% of the time was spent in the jury room, even at that the time spent in the court room was quite a bit as it was a longer trial I was on. Due to the nature of the trial it was pretty difficult to deal with. It took me at least a week afterwards to get my head round what just happened. It's certainly not something I'd like to have to do again.

Sorry for bringing the mood down a bit but you need to be aware that this isn't fun & games or an easy break from work. The decisions made can and will impact peoples lives... in some cases it will be small, in others much larger.

Tar.Aldarionftw wrote: »

Anyone know what the penalty is for missing some days from jury duty for acting the b0ll0x, too hungover for example? :eek:

€500 or €2000 fine I believe. Depends on how much you're taking the piss.

Degsy · 10-05-2010 8:12pm

Tar.Aldarionftw wrote: »

Anyone know what the penalty is for missing some days from jury duty for acting the b0ll0x, too hungover for example? :eek:

Crucifixion.

bobblepuzzle · 10-05-2010 8:19pm

Dord wrote: »

€500 or €2000 fine I believe. Depends on how much you're taking the piss.

Cool thanks...

BTW, I must protest your sig! There was no free cake at all!!! :mad:

Pauleta · 10-05-2010 8:48pm

rizzla wrote: »

Yeah I did it. Thought it was great, very tiring though. Living with the decision you will make at the very end always weighs heavy and makes you pay attention to everything being said and presented to you.

We had a Jessica Fletcher type girl in our jury, constantly coming up with bizare scenarios.

Pretty similar myself except it was a man coming up with loads of theories. Some people really dont get the whole thing that you have to work with facts and not speculation. Would love to do it again though.

CoalBucket · 10-05-2010 8:53pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB1eXlvfo-s

Make sure you get a pair of those glasses

BBDBB · 10-05-2010 8:57pm

just remember he's guilty if

1) he looks a bit shifty
2) his eyes are too close together
3) he has a funny sounding name

either that or he's your local councillor

pablomakaveli · 10-05-2010 9:03pm

If you want to get out of it tell them your prejudiced against all races.

Sugar Free · 10-05-2010 9:10pm

I had it recently. It's fairly interesting and you meet a few characters in the main jury panel room!

Mine was in the new building on Parkgate Street. It was mostly rape/buggery cases while I was there.

I'd love to know what lines the solicitors make their challenges on other than gender, being dressed like a knacker etc. anyone?

Ruu_Old · 10-05-2010 9:10pm

Tell them you are prejudiced against all races.

Cheap Thrills! · 10-05-2010 9:12pm

Tell them you know the defendant, seriously. You will get out of it. If its organised crime espcially 'cos those fcukers come after ya.

rizzla · 10-05-2010 9:16pm

If you do get selected and have nothing else to do, you should do it.

After my jury service the entire jury I was on recieved jury service exemption letters. Handy if ever I should get called again and have stuff to do.

Sugar Free · 10-05-2010 9:24pm

rizzla wrote: »

If you do get selected and have nothing else to do, you should do it.

After my jury service the entire jury I was on recieved jury service exemption letters. Handy if ever I should get called again and have stuff to do.

Yeah I'm exempt now for three years even though my case was dismissed before we had to come to a verdict!

Dravokivich · 10-05-2010 10:12pm

MediumWell wrote: »

Yeah I'm exempt now for three years even though my case was dismissed before we had to come to a verdict!

The exepmtion by default is 3 years unless otherwise specified by a Judge at time of selection...

Don't have a proble with it, last time I was up for selection was 3 and a half years ago. I'm only 25 and been called out twice. My folks have never been called out...

Krieg · 10-05-2010 10:27pm

Anyone know where the jury selection comes from?
I hear they take names from the voting register but I don't know if its true.

bonzodog2 · 10-05-2010 10:32pm

mars bar wrote: »

First you are hanging off a cliff and now you have a murderous ex - girlfriend?!

WTF man?!

Some people have complicated lives thrust upon them !

starbelgrade · 10-05-2010 10:35pm

Krieg wrote: »

Anyone know where the jury selection comes from?
I hear they take names from the voting register but I don't know if its true.

Yep - juries are selected from a jury panel which is picked at random by the county registrar from the electoral register.

Mars Bar · 10-05-2010 10:36pm

bonzodog2 wrote: »

Some people have complicated lives thrust upon them !

Seemingly so...

Out of curiosity, why did you write the word "complicated" in italics?

Mike 1972 · 10-05-2010 11:21pm

jahalpin wrote: »

except on Monday, when you only get a salad and soup).

Bring a packed lunch

Deleted User wrote: »

I don't think everyone intends to be on trial at some point in their life

I dont think anyone intends to until they get arrested

So I've got Jury Duty tomorrow...

Comments