Jury Service
Jury service is one of the most important civic duties that anyone can be asked to perform. You do not need any knowledge of the legal system to be a juror. The experiences and knowledge of each person summoned to serve will differ, yet each individual juror will be asked to consider the evidence presented and then decide whether the defendant is guilty or not.
Jurors usually try the more serious cases such as assault, burglary, fraud or murder. These trials take place in the Crown Court, where they are heard by a jury of 12 people and a judge. The task of the jury is to consider the evidence and then reach a verdict of 'guilty' or 'not guilty'.
Jurors might also be needed to serve in a civil case such as libel, though this does not happen often. When it does, the trial will take place in the High Court or a county court. You might also be needed to serve in a coroner's court.