Since the start of the pandemic, the Courts Service main focus has been the safety of all court users. The Service takes its health and safety responsibilities for all staff and court users very seriously. The Courts Service, working with the judiciary, has developed a best practice health and safety management programme across all jurisdictions nationwide, to implement public health guidance in full during the pandemic.
These health and safety measures implemented by the Courts Service, including, for example, social distancing measures, access to hand-washing/sanitising facilities etc., are detailed in the information provided with all jury summons, which should be read carefully. The Courts Service has safely conducted a number of jury trials since the start of the pandemic, receiving excellent feedback from jurors who felt safe throughout the process from empanelment right through jury duty.
Those who have received a jury summons should:
- familiarise themselves with the guidance as contained in the summons they received,
- report to the place indicated on their summons,
- note that the Courts Service will provide face coverings for anyone who needs one, as well as hand sanitisers/ access to hand washing facilities,
- understand that the Courts Service will provide further information on arrival and Covid-19 screening questions will be covered on check-in with each person individually.
Jury service is an essential element of the criminal justice system and every effort has been made to ensure the empaneling process is safe and feels safe to people attending for jury service. The Courts Service continues to keep all public health guidance under review and will continue to adapt its ways of working and its Covid-19 Safety Management Programme to ensure compliance.
If you have any questions please refer to the information provided with your summons, for further questions please contact the number provided with the summons.