If there are health or family problems you may be able to defer your jury service to a later date if you have a good reason such as:
- Illness;
- Family responsibilities; or
- Prior arrangements that cannot be changed.
In some cases these reasons can lead to permanent exemption from jury service. If you need to temporarily defer your jury service, or you think you should be permanently exempted, you should complete the statutory Declaration form which is on the back of the summons and return to the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible. You will be advised by return mail whether your request has been granted or not.
If you have a disability and it prevents you from sitting comfortably for long periods of time without a break, or from being able to properly follow or participate in the proceedings you may be excluded from jury service. You should complete the Statutory Declaration form on the back of the summons and return it as soon as possible to the Sheriff’s Office together with a certificate from your doctor stating that you are unfit for jury service, or have someone contact the Sheriff’s Office on your behalf to explain your situation.
If the doctor is of the opinion that you are permanently unfit for jury service, the certificate should state so.
You will be advised by return mail whether your request has been granted or not.
If you cannot easily understand spoken or written English, then you will be excluded from jury service as it is essential that all jurors be able to understand everything that happens in court and be able to read and understand any documents that are relevant to the trial. You should complete the Statutory Declaration form and return it to the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible, or have someone contact the Sheriff’s Office on your behalf to explain your situation. In this case, the Statutory Declaration should be witnessed by your local chemist, doctor or police officer. You will be advised by return mail whether your request has been granted or not.
In all the above cases if you have not received notification of the result of your request by the time you are due to appear for jury service then you must attend in accordance with your summons. Upon arrival ask to speak to the Deputy Sheriff or relevant court officer.