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Information for Jurors in New Zealand
Jury service is an important public duty. The following information provides answers to questions that people frequently ask about jury service.
To be a juror you must have a good understanding of English. If you do not understand English you should tell the Jury Officer at the court and you will be excused from jury service.
About Juries
The Role of a Juror
How was I selected for jury service?
Do I have to attend?
About Juries & Jury Service
A jury is a group of 12 people who have been chosen to sit in court, hear the evidence and reach a verdict (decision) with guidance on the law from the Judge.
Jury service is a way for you to play an important part in our legal system. Every juror is responsible to the community to ensure that justice is done.
In most instances, you will be asked to hear a criminal case. This is where someone is charged with committing a crime. In a small number of instances, you may be part of a jury hearing a civil (non-criminal) case.
Jury service is usually for a week. However, some trials may last longer. When possible, you will be told how long you might have to serve when you are summoned or before being selected as a juror.
Details of when and where to report are on your jury summons. Please note the details carefully. Access to the Jury Assembly area is usually available from 9.00 am.
On the first day, you should expect to spend at least the morning at court. However, you could be required for the whole day. For example, you may be involved in a trial which begins immediately.
You may want to bring something to read, as there may be periods of waiting at the court.
Some jurors may sit on more than one trial during the course of a week, others may not be selected at all.
The court usually sits between 10 am and 5 pm. There is a break for lunch, normally between 1 pm and 2.15 pm, and there are short morning and afternoon tea breaks when tea or coffee is provided for jurors in the jury room. Meals are not provided unless a jury has retired to consider its verdict.
The Role of a Juror
In a criminal case the jury has to decide whether the person accused of a crime is guilty or not guilty. You have to listen carefully to the evidence and reach a verdict based on that evidence. If you find the defendant guilty, the Judge decides the sentence, usually at a later date when other reports have been considered.
How Was I Chosen for Jury Service?
A jury roll for each court is made up from the electoral rolls in the Court area. Names are selected at random from the electoral rolls. Your name has been selected from these rolls.
Do I Have to Serve On a Jury?
Yes, unless you are excused. You will only be excused if there is good reason, such as hardship, personal beliefs, childcare responsibilities, or if you have served on a jury within the last two years.
If you have not been excused from jury service you can be fined up to $300 for failing to obey the summons.
Some people cannot serve on a jury. These include Members of Parliament, people working in the justice system, and people who have been sentenced to prison terms. The law also says people who have some permanent physical infirmity which would affect their ability to serve, cannot serve on a jury.
Full details of people who cannot serve and reasons for excuse from jury service are on your jury summons
If you think you cannot serve or are not sure please let the Jury officer at the Court know.
Applying to be Excused from Jury Service
If you believe you have good reason to be excused from jury service, you should write to the Registrar asking to be excused and explaining why.
You may be asked to give proof of your reasons. Any application which relates to your employer suffering hardship because of your service should have a supporting letter from your employer. You will be advised whether or not you have been excused.
If you have not been excused from jury service you can be fined up to $300 for failing to obey the summons.
If you are excused from jury service that does not mean your name will be removed from the jury roll. You may receive another jury summons in the future.
Payment
You are paid for each half day you are at court, and for your fares on public transport. Payment is by cheque which you will receive shortly after your service. You can get information on the current fees from the Court Office.
Increased payment may apply in exceptional circumstances. Court staff will advise you how to apply. Applications will need supporting information, such as details of usual earnings or commitments.
How can I get more information?
Ring the Court and ask for the Jury Officer. In many Courts there also is an answerphone, which has messages about reporting days and times, and cancellations. If you become involved in a trial, your family can ring the answerphone to get information about the progress of the trial.