Menu
24/01/2005
Jury members to benefit from better employment protection
The Constitutional Affairs Secretary, Lord Falconer, has announced government plans to grant additional employment protection for employees summoned for jury service.
Lord Falconer said that while most employers recognised and respected jury service, reforms were necessary in order to protect people who had spent less than a year in their current job.
A change in the law, which will mean that employers can no longer sack people summoned for jury service, will come into effect on April 6.
All registered voters in England and Wales, aged between 18 and 70 must serve on a jury if summoned. The only exemptions are for those suffering from a mental illness or anyone who has been convicted of a criminal offence.
A new consultation paper has also been published to investigate what can be done to help improve the role of jurors. The paper includes a section on juror impropriety to cover behaviour that can lead to mistrials. Proposals also suggest that courts should issue improved guidance on what constitutes impropriety and their duty to report it to the judge.
Commenting on the changes in the law, the Constitutional Affairs Secretary said: "Serving as a juror is one of the most important civic duties that anyone can be asked to perform. With more employed people doing jury service than ever before, it is important to provide statutory protection against dismissal or discrimination."
(KMcA/SP)
Lord Falconer said that while most employers recognised and respected jury service, reforms were necessary in order to protect people who had spent less than a year in their current job.
A change in the law, which will mean that employers can no longer sack people summoned for jury service, will come into effect on April 6.
All registered voters in England and Wales, aged between 18 and 70 must serve on a jury if summoned. The only exemptions are for those suffering from a mental illness or anyone who has been convicted of a criminal offence.
A new consultation paper has also been published to investigate what can be done to help improve the role of jurors. The paper includes a section on juror impropriety to cover behaviour that can lead to mistrials. Proposals also suggest that courts should issue improved guidance on what constitutes impropriety and their duty to report it to the judge.
Commenting on the changes in the law, the Constitutional Affairs Secretary said: "Serving as a juror is one of the most important civic duties that anyone can be asked to perform. With more employed people doing jury service than ever before, it is important to provide statutory protection against dismissal or discrimination."
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 January 2011
Jury Duty Opened To Senior Citizens
People over the age of 65 will be eligible to take part in jury service from tomorrow as key changes to modernise Scots law come into force. Since 1980, an upper age limit for jury duty has been imposed in Scotland which has prohibited those over the age of 65 from serving.
Jury Duty Opened To Senior Citizens
People over the age of 65 will be eligible to take part in jury service from tomorrow as key changes to modernise Scots law come into force. Since 1980, an upper age limit for jury duty has been imposed in Scotland which has prohibited those over the age of 65 from serving.
05 December 2003
Jury service 'excuse' to be removed
Under new government proposals, the pool of eligible people for jury service will be substantially increased, as almost all of the existing groups of people currently excused from jury service will be deemed eligible.
Jury service 'excuse' to be removed
Under new government proposals, the pool of eligible people for jury service will be substantially increased, as almost all of the existing groups of people currently excused from jury service will be deemed eligible.
18 February 2009
Over 100,000 People Get Back To Work With LEPs
Over 100,000 people have been helped back into work through the Government's pioneering Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs), Minister for Employment Tony McNulty has announced.
Over 100,000 People Get Back To Work With LEPs
Over 100,000 people have been helped back into work through the Government's pioneering Local Employment Partnerships (LEPs), Minister for Employment Tony McNulty has announced.
27 January 2004
Law Lords' ruling could open up juries to public scrutiny
A landmark ruling in the House of Lords could pave the way for the secret world of juries to be opened up for public debate, the government has announced. Following a ruling by the Law Lords, the "exceptional circumstances" in which a court can investigate the nature of jury deliberations is now open to question.
Law Lords' ruling could open up juries to public scrutiny
A landmark ruling in the House of Lords could pave the way for the secret world of juries to be opened up for public debate, the government has announced. Following a ruling by the Law Lords, the "exceptional circumstances" in which a court can investigate the nature of jury deliberations is now open to question.
21 July 2011
Scottish Gold Mining 'Worth £80m To Economy'
Scotland's first commercial gold mine is expected to produce 20,000 ounces of gold and 80,000 ounces of silver per year, of which 5,000 ounces of gold will be extracted as unrefined gold bars and identifiable as 'Scottish Gold'.
Scottish Gold Mining 'Worth £80m To Economy'
Scotland's first commercial gold mine is expected to produce 20,000 ounces of gold and 80,000 ounces of silver per year, of which 5,000 ounces of gold will be extracted as unrefined gold bars and identifiable as 'Scottish Gold'.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
