Three Women Sitting On Jury

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30666, 4 February 1965, Page 14

Three Women Sitting On Jury

The first name drawn for a jury to consider a case set down for hearing in the Supreme Court was again that of a woman. She was not challenged and took her place in the jury box.

The jury, as on Tuesday, again selected a man as foreman.

A woman’s name was the first drawn from the ballot box on Tuesday when the new list for the selection of jury panels was used for the first time.

The list is compiled from the electoral rolls and gives women the automatic right to serve. Previously women had

to ask to have their names placed on the jury list. In all, five women were called yesterday. One was challenged and was stood down, and another failed to answer her name. Fifteen men were called, six were challenged so the final jury of 12 contained nine men and three women. That was also the composition of the jury on Tuesday. Women who have received jury summonses to attend the Supreme Court during a particular week and to be available for service on a jury if selected are not excused unless they have written to the Sheriff stating they do not wish to serve. After being sworn as jurors, women, and men also, are required to attend for jury service as directed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Being challenged and stood down on any one day does not excuse a person from attending on subsequent days as directed by the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Jurors who fail to answer their names after having received a summons to appear are required to give their explanation in person to the Judge sitting at the time. If no appearance is made, or the explanation is unsatisfactory or due to forgetfulness then a fine may be imposed. Mr Justice Macarthur, who was the presiding Judge vesterday, said that no action would be taken against two women who had failed to answer their names on Tuesday.

Inquiries had shown that one had been in a home for up to six months and the other was aged 76 years.