Jury duty??

[Radiogirl]

I served a couple of years ago, long before my diagnosis and chronic pain. I just got a summons in the mail. Does anyone know if RD/Fibro or other autoimmune disorders qualify one to be excused from serving? I can't imagine sitting for hours on end or even walking all the way from the parking lot into the courts building. I know I would need a Dr's note, but thought I would ask here first. Thanks all. Hugs!

[sylvi]

Check with the jury service and you might need a note from your d as well.xxxx

[helixhelix]

There isn't an automatic right to be excused for these sorts of things. As you can imagine disabled people's groups would be outraged if they were excluded from jury duty as they have fought long and hard to be represented in public life. And under the equality act courts must do all they can to make it possible.

The best thing you can do is contact the jury service manager asap to explain and see what they recommend. If you get PIP that will help your case. But if you work full time then they may question it. Think about what would really hamper your ability - as walking across a car park is something they could adjust for. Needing to sleep during the day might be more like it.

[AgedCrone]

A letter from your rheumatologist/GP should ensure you are released from Jury Service.

Explain you would distract other jurors as you are in too much pain to sit still & quiet for even short periods.

[sickofra in reply to AgedCrone]

I would check with my RA doctor. In my case, I doubt I could sit that long (RA in every joint.) Also, after sitting that long, you would probably have a terrible time trying to get up again. Good luck!

[Radiogirl in reply to sickofra]

So true.

[hatshepsut]

I was excused jury service last year, my gp wrote a letter confirming that I was too unwell to attend. I have done jury service previously, so knew that I would have been unable to sit for such a lengthy time, nor cope with stairs etc.

My doctors letter was accepted without question.

[premierscfc]

I've just been excused from jury service and I too just needed a letter from my GP.

[Jan101]

Hi sweetie I am not sure 🤔 to be honest with you. But if you are unwell I sure that they will excuse you from dury service. A long time ago I was picked to go to the old Bailey court and refused because I had just had a robbery and I said my judgment wouldn’t be a fair one and they excused me. I wish you the best of luck and hopefully you won’t have to go.

Have a lovely day and take good care. Love and hugs 🤗🤗🌹🌹😘😘🤞🤞

[Pamelah5]

You would need a letter from your gp, rheumatology consultant or rheumatology nurse to say why your unable to do Jury Service. On medical grounds you could be excused especially if you get tired need to sleep therefore couldn't cope with a whole day . Jury service needs people who can stay for whole duration whilst a case is on going , some cases can extend to many weeks. Of course there are disabled people who can do a Jury service have no problems sitting whilst others cannot all disabilities are different. I am sure if you phone the court explain your situation they will explain what you need to do.

I hope all goes well

Let us know.

Best wishes

Pamela

xx

[veg_c2000]

In addition to RA I have other health issues, none of which stop me from working work full time. I've twice been excused Jury service and never needed to get a letter from gp or consultant. I've just filled in the form and listed my symptoms and what happens or what I can't do in certain situations (eg if having a flare-up etc).

V

[Radiogirl]

Thanks for all the very helpful replies. 😀

[Magymay]

Hi radio girl ,I had to do it just before I was diagnosed 1Year ago ,nightmare ,like sardines in a room for 1,1/2hrs nearly collapsed so they let me sit on a judge chair ,felt like using hammer and shouting out of order in the court 😂😂😂,didn't get picked thank goodness ,get doc to write to procurator fiscal ,they can stop it ,good luck 😉