Proposals Launched to Reform Jury System

Strathaven based MSP Linda Fabiani, is encouraging interested people to respond to a public consultation on modernising Scotland’s jury system.

The consultation document launched by the Scottish Government outlines plans to:
* allow Scots aged 65-70 to serve on trial juries; and
* reduce jury service exemption period from 5 to 2 years for those called to attend court as potential jurors but are not subsequently balloted to serve on a trial jury.

It also seeks views on longer term options for reform, including:
* whether the current jury size of 15 for criminal trials should be maintained or reduced;
* whether existing rules on exemptions from jury service, for example for certain categories of profession, remain appropriate or should be changed;

* options for administrative changes to the scope and operation of juror allowances, aimed at minimising hardship whilst recognising overall constraints on public expenditure; and

* options around the possible use of tribunals of judges or substitute jurors.

Commenting on the proposals Ms Fabiani said:

“I would encourage anyone who has an interest in these matters to read the proposals and if they think they have something to contribute to the consultation to make a submission.

“Our jury system of court trials is at the heart of our democracy and justice systems and we want this consultation to involve a wide range of people including the public and professional people.

“The consultation document can be viewed at http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/Recent”.