Can I Volunteer For Jury Service?
March 23, 2010 No CommentsCitizens for jury service are selected by the electoral role simply because jury selection needs to be completetly random. Jurors are of a representative cross-section of the population of the area served by the court, hence hand-picked jurors would break the rules of ‘impatiallity’.
If you are interested in working with the courts but have no formal law qualifications – you can apply to volunteer as a magistrate.
Volunteering as a magistrate
If you are between the age of 18 and 65 you can apply to volunteer as a magistrate. Magistrates are selected from all ethnic minorities as well as wide range of backgrounds and occupations. Beoming a magistrate does not require any formal qualification or knowledge of lawful matters, but the selection process is generally based on the following qualities:
- Of good character
- Good understanding and communication skills
- Social awareness/intuitive skills
- Maturity
- Of sound temperament
- A sound judgement
- Reliable and comitted
For more information visit: directgov.co.uk
