Fewer exempt jury service

Press, 3 June 1982, Page 5

Fewer exempt jury service

PA ’ Wellington The pool of potential jurors has been extended by legislation which came into effect last month. The Juries Act. 1981, removes the exemption status from professions previously considered too vital for leave for jury duty. Those automatically exempt in the past were ministers of religion, teachers, nurses, doctors, dentists, chemists, members - of the Armed Forces, ship crews, fire brigade members, ambulance drivers, and anyone looking after a child under six. These people may now

serve on juries "if they wish." leaving only a brief list of people not allowed to serve on juries “on any occasion." These people in the main directly involved in the justice system. The Justice Department felt juries were not representative of the community because of the number of exemptions, said an execxutive officer for the courts, Mr Brian Hayes. “With modern means of transport and communication there is not the same difficulty in getting to court,”he said. With a wider range to choose from, the likelihood of being selected for jury duty is now less.

The act also says that jury lists be taken each year from updated electoral rolls, previously the same jury list could be used for three to six years. This meant twice as many to duty were needed, because addresses on the electoral roll were often out-dated. Now 99 per cent of those called will receive their sumons, Mr Hayes said. The old custom of “praying for tales.” a plea for the completion of a jury list, has been abolished bv the act. “In the old days if they ran out of jurors, they used to close all the doors and all in the vicinity of the court room were called. These

people could then be balloted on the jury if they fulfilled all the requirements," Mr Hayes said. "Now if they were to run out of jurors they would have to adjourn the trial, because we are required to give jurors 10 days notice." He said it was extremely unlikely they would run out as a restrictions had been placed on the numbe rof challenges which could be made by the Crown. Both prosecution and defence are limited to six challenges. Previously the Crown could make an unlimited number. The affirmation or oath has also been updated in the new legislation.