Information for jurors
The Scottish Court Service appreciates the role of jurors in the justice system and knows that many people will be apprehensive about jury service. The information provided is designed to help address some of the concerns that you may have.
Jurors are selected at random from the electoral register and can be cited for criminal trials, in either the sheriff court or High Court, or for civil cases in the Court of Session.
Information for jurors in civil cases (Court of Session)
The information in the document below provides details of those who are not qualified, are disqualified or are ineligible for jury service. It is an offence for anyone to serve on a jury knowing that they are not qualified, disqualified or ineligible for jury service. It also gives details of those who can apply to the court for excusal as of right.
If you wish to apply for excusal on the basis of ill health or physical disability then you must enclose a medical certificate along with your application for excusal. This can normally be obtained free of charge from your GP, in terms of Article 5 of Schedule 3 and regulation 21 of The National Health Service (General Medical Services Contracts) (Scotland) Regulations 2004.
If you wish to apply for excusal due to another special reason, for example commitments at work, cancellation of which would cause abnormal inconvenience either to yourself or others, or holiday plans which would be difficult or expensive to rearrange, you should complete the relevant sections of application. You must also provide evidence of this, for example booking confirmation or letter from your employer.
Are you qualified for jury service in the Court of Session?(PDF)
A guide to jury service in the Court of Session
The guide below is designed to provide jurors with helpful information relating to various aspects of jury service. For example, information which will be useful in preparing for jury service; what to expect at court; the role of the judge and the jury; how the trial will proceed as well as providing a glossary of terms.
A guide to jury service in the Court of Session
Information for jurors in criminal cases (High Court or sheriff court)
The information in the document below provides details of those who are not qualified, are disqualified or are ineligible for jury service. It is an offence for anyone to serve on a jury knowing that they are not qualified, disqualified or ineligible for jury service.
It also gives details of those who can apply for excusal as of right and provides some information for those who may wish to apply for excusal for other reasons, for example medical grounds or pre-booked holidays. Applications for excusal are dealt with sympathetically by the courts, however it must be understood that in some circumstances the court may not be able to excuse individuals.
Are you qualified for jury service in the High Court and sheriff court?
A guide to jury service in the High Court and sheriff court.
The guide below is designed to provide jurors with helpful information relating to jury service. For example, information which will be useful in preparing for jury service; what to expect at court; the role of the judge and the jury; how the trial will proceed as well as providing a glossary of terms and answers to some frequently asked questions.
A guide to jury service in the High Court and sheriff court