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Exemptions from serving as a juror

Most people aged between 18 and 70 can be summoned as a juror. However, some people will not complete jury service.

Reasons for not completing jury service

Some people will not complete jury service are because they are:

  • not qualified for jury service
  • disqualified for jury service
  • ineligible for jury service
  • excusable from jury service as of right

The information that is sent out when a person has been summonsed to be a juror will explain these in more detail but generally:

  • a person who is on bail is not qualified to serve on a jury in the Crown Court
  • a person would be disqualified from serving on a jury if -
    • they had at any time been convicted and sentenced to a period of imprisonment of five years or more, or
    • they had within the last 10 years served a period of imprisonment or detention, received a suspended sentence of imprisonment or detention, or received a community service order, or
    • they had within the last five years been placed on probation
  • a person would be ineligible for jury service if they are:
    • concerned with the administration of justice, or
    • are a member of the Forces, or
    • are suffering from a mental disorder within the meaning of the Mental Health (NI) order 1986, or
    • they are unable to understand the English language.
  • a person may be excusable from jury service as of right if they fall within one of the listed categories within the Juries (NI) Order 1996 - this list is included in the information sent out to a potential juror.

Deferral or Excusal

If you are summoned to attend for jury service the judge has certain powers to defer your service until a later date or to excuse you for that sitting or in respect of a particular trial or period of time if you have a good reason.

Details of how to make an application for deferral or excusal will be contained in the information sent out when a person has been summonsed as a juror.

If you have been called for jury service and need more information, contact the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service Customer Service Centre on:

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