Being Excused

For what reasons can I be excused?

There are a number of reasons why you can be excused. Please see below for an explanation of each:

• Age

You may be excused from jury service if you are more than 65 years old.

• Previous jury service

You may be excused if you have been on jury service in the past 2 years. This does not apply if you were a juror at a coroner’s court. You can also be excused if you have been a juror and the court excused you for a period that has not yet ended.

• Religious beliefs

You may be excused if you are a practising member of a religious order whose beliefs are incompatible with jury service.

• Parliament

You may be excused if you are a

▪A Peer or Peeress who is entitled to receive a writ of summons to attend the House of Lords

▪A member of the House of Commons

▪An officer of the House of Lords or the House of Commons.

• European Assembly

You may be excused if you are a Representative to the Assembly of the European Communities.

• Medical and other professions

You may be excused if you are:

▪A dentist

▪A nurse

▪A medical practitioner

▪A veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner

▪A midwife

▪A pharmaceutical chemist

▪Practising your profession and are registered, enrolled or certified under the law that relates to that profession. This would apply to a chiropractor or physiotherapist for example.

• The Forces

You may be excused if you are a full-time member of:

▪The Army, Royal Navy or Royal Air Force

▪The Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service

▪Any Voluntary Aid Detachment serving with the Royal Navy

and if your commanding officer certifies to the Jury Summoning Officer that your absence would prejudice the efficiency of the service.

• Other reasons

You may have personal reasons why you want to be excused. If so, you need to supply the Jury Central Summoning Bureau with information, in writing, why you can’t attend within the next year.