Jury service and religious exemptions?

[TyneSoft 10]

Hi all.

 

I know there's some info re. exemption from jury service for religious reasons, but does it normally apply only if you're a Christian?

 

What if a Muslim was called up and he/she said they need to pray 5 times daily as per their Faith? Which would interfere with the trial? Would the judge or court clerk see that as a valid reason for exemption?

 

Thanks.

[apelike 10]

Perhaps using google would help!

[Guest]

Why would you presume it only applies if you are a Christian? Courts tend to have fairly frequent breaks so I can’t see it being a problem if a Muslim needed to pray, however any application to be excused would be at the court’s discretion. They are however keen to ensure that those who are eligible do serve if chosen for jury service unless there are strong and convincing reasons why they genuinely can’t.

 

Often jury service is deferred (rather than granting someone a complete exemption) if they cannot serve at a particular time i.e. due to a pre-booked holiday or unavoidable work commitments. 

Edited December 7, 2018 by Guest

[Mikes10 10]

Had Jury Service a few years ago, it's almost impossible to get an exemption. The Armed Forces, Police, and certain government staff (HMRC) are exempt.

See the following link:

 

https://www.gov.uk/jury-service

 

 

[Guest]

46 minutes ago, Mikes10 said:

The Armed Forces, Police, and certain government staff (HMRC) are exempt.

Serving police officers are no longer exempt, though they would only ever be required to serve on a jury in a different area so as to avoid the possibility they will know any police witnesses / prosecuting barristers etc. Nor are Armed forces personnel automatically exempt, however an application can be made for an exemption (or more likely a deferral) on the basis that jury service would affect their military duties. 

Edited December 7, 2018 by Guest

[Annie Bynnol 612]

You can apply for an exemption for any reason and the plea will be heard on merit- if you have applied immediately.

It will then be accepted, rejected or deferred.

 

Some odd ones can be  deferred e.g. a teacher with A level classes. Last weeks of pregnancy.

 

Cases are planned ahead and an estimated time is given. The jury will be asked if the can for see issues when a long case (>2 weeks) is possible.

As the vast majority of service is very brief and sessions are short, religious observance is not a problem. Golf is -our visiting  High Court Judge took both Fridays off  - the Court Usher had warned us.  I had to take the days off without pay or expenses.

Edited December 8, 2018 by Annie Bynnol