Civic Duty: I've been called!

Its not only self employed who lose out.
Most private employers, apart from the big ones, are very unlikely to pay you, if you are paid hourly, I always been paid, only if I'm there.

 

Well, I'm "in" Now, while I cannot comment on the case, I can comment on the experience and seeing as I'm not the only GC'er to be summoned ....

... I thought it may be of a little help to share my experience? Clearly there may well be "regional" differences, but, I'm fairly sure the general processes will be the similar.

... so (as Jurors) were we As you will see ...

Day 1:
Arrived in good time and managed to secure my place in the "free parking" area.
Went through the main doors, security (bag in tray, body swipe with bleeper) and was then directed to a door labelled, "Jury Assembly". Followed my nose and ended up in a large room where I had to produce my summons, ID and was given a couple of forms: one was a contact and NOK form, the other was the expenses form which we were advised *not* to complete until the final day because, if it got dropped/lost on a bus there was too much information on there which could be used by more unscrupulous others (E.G. Name/address/bank details/etc.).

Then, we were directed to the canteen staff, who checked our details and issued us with a canteen "smart card". With this, we are entitled to drinks/food up to the value of £5.71 per day. Any more and we pay from our own pocket. Any less is *not* carried forward to the next day, but the difference would be credited to our bank accounts at the end of our term.

After that it was sit/mingle/engage/ignore ... until we were then ushered to a court room for an "induction" video. This explained who sits where, the jury selection (in court) procedure, our role, what we are and are not able to do/say/discuss. A reminder once again about the important of the main form not being completed until the final day/security and then returned to the jury assembly rooms.

Within 10 minutes, we were instructed that no one would be required until 1400hrs and we were free to use the facilities, go into town or do whatever until that time.

I chose to mingle with those who remained Met some interesting people too!

Fast forward: Despite everyone being present for 1400hrs (including those jury members on their 2nd week of duty), for most of us first timers, we were still hanging around. (Fine, I'd met people, felt confident, not an issue).

Some while later, my name was called (along with 13 others - we were the only group of 14, the others consisted of groups of 15) and an Usher took us to a court room.

Before the "selection" process began, a list of names were read out and the location of the incident - this was the opportunity for any jury member to state if they: a) recognised any names b) persons accused and/or c) lived in the vicinity. They were then excused. The remainder of us, were then to listen for our names to be called and to proceed to the Jury Box in that order. Once all settled there, we each then had to either swear an oath or an affirmation.

Because of the time of day, the most we were afforded was the opening address by the prosecution before being thanked for our time and released from our duty for that day.

Agreed!

Day 2:
When we left court the day before, we were asked to return for the afternoon session today.

As with yesterday, it was some while before we were taken to the jury box due to other events taking place. Once installed, the Judge apologised for the day, acknowledged how frustrating it must be and further apologised that our time was no longer required for today and for us to return tomorrow morning ready for duty.

Are you seeing the irony of your statement, yet?

 

So what happens if you're a smoker? Had to go to an ID parade once, they wouldn't let me smoke or leave the room for over 5 hours, I was doing cold pigeon by then.

 

I think we are all beginning to see why the courts are, as they are, slowly grinding along.
This lot must be costing the taxpayer millions every year.

 

Erm, you inform the Usher you need a "break" and you are given one (This does not mean the whole jury/court is given a break; just you! ) In the words of one usher: "We don't want you 'climbing the walls'

The *main* point being: smoker/non smoker/short attention span/fresh air required/coffee addict/sugar rush requirement/emotional reflection break/whatever ... if it means you are losing concentration and can no longer focus, you will be given the required "break". It is *not* an "issue" for the court/jury. The only thing to remember is: *you* are given a break, not the whole jury. So, you may not be afforded the "whole" story on which to base your decision/argument

On the contrary: I am beginning to "see" why the courts are duly/duty bound by protocol/priorities/points of law/precision!

Plus, I can also 'see' (have a good insight: now!) how they are also bound to conserve the taxpayer "millions" per annum!

As an example (in my somewhat limited experience): yesterday, the Judge had to make a ... "judgement" ... call on just how much time was available for calling "witnesses" (who are also able to make certain financial claims). Their "judgement" was also called into question on just how much 'time'/expense would be required in calling on the services of other "public servants" (e.g. Police personnel, etc).

So: think about it!
As a jury potential, I have to ensure that the next two weeks of my time is 'available' for court duty (irrespective of 'time' I can give to private/income related time). I am learning that for some people, their 'employment demands' have been deemed a deterrent (for want of a better word) against serving jury service.

For certain member/s of my family, court appearances are a part and parcel of the "job" and, even if they are on pre-booked annual leave, they are given NO CHOICE in court appearances! They must attend (harsher than the jury requirement who could plead annual leave abroad as a reason not to attend!).

But, in light of economic demands: I can see how the judicial system has a very difficult job in balancing demand vs supply. I am now seeing just how very demanding the roles (judges, barristers/ushers et al) have become when staffing is minimal. And, I am quite surprised just how many jurors have had their "commitment" brought forward due to: "lack of numbers" (how does *that* work? ).

On the contrary, Pete: waiting around, being "put on hold", and the reasons why ... well, they are an education; not a source for mockery. Indeed, my personal opinion of the court personnel has increased, not decreased, as a result of my experiences (funny clothes and wigs not withstanding ).

 

So the case continues while one or two or possibly three jurors go out for a cigarette break???

 

Done that ... and what a hoot it was!

We had to do CCF at school - Wednesday afternoons and all that. Once of the "services" was Police Cadets, which was far more interesting than the Square Bashing the Army lot did, so I joined the Police Cadets. The outing to the Police Driving School at Hendon, skid pads and being a passenger in a Jam Sandwich with the Blues and Twos going was Jolly Good Fun ... but amongst other outings we also went to the county assizes. So picture this: Couple of teachers in charge of the Police Cadets CCF and about 40 x 15 & 16 year olds split into two groups, one for each court.

Court #1 : Teacher up for b"ggery
Court #2: Late teens boy up for under age sex.

So 40 x young boys thought it was Christmas Come Early and 2 x teachers were hiding behind the pillars!

 

You are *so* showing your age!

 

It's over.

*And: b.r.e.a.t.h.e!*

Cream crackered is *not* an exaggeration!

 

Did you enjoy it M?