Jury service

Just a random thought ... I have done jury service and really enjoyed it However, in the mornings I am zombied from amytriptyline (sp) and am slow to get going. Having to get up early and be functional would be a problem. Would ra mean I could get out of jury service or is it not classified as a medical excuse? Anyone come across this?

Virge

[earthwitch]

If you are zombied out or for any other reason you would find it difficult physically, then I would think you could certainly get exempted. I don't know what the process would be though - do you wait until called up, or do you try and get an exemption in advance so you don't get called up? You might be able to google it and find out.

[shirlthegirl]

Hi I don't know if you would be exempted from jury service if you are RA, but i would think if you have any illness you should be exempted, My sister was called up a couple of years ago, she is on medication for her back, she also has depression and she was exempted, The thing with RA you have your good and bad days and you need to be really reliable when doing Jury service, I went on jury service over 20 years ago, and i'm like you i really enjoyed it, But i don't know if i would be up for it now. When did you go on jury service,

as i believe you are only called a couple of time in your lifetime, and it is normal after every 10 years, But you know if you really enjoyed it why not, that's if you feel you could handle the pressure as well

Take care x

[Tinkie111 in reply to shirlthegirl]

My goodness Ra is the worse condition going. Fluctuating you can be sitting for half an hour next minute dragging your leg. Of course youd be excused. I have it im anxious if I have to hurry, extremely tired with medication, memory loss, depression, Flareups, need the toilet urgently etc etc. The stupid form doesent mention medical conditions and especially fluctuating

[helixhelix]

I don't think that RA or its drug related effects would class as an automatic exemption, as there are not that many of these. I think mental disorders count, but that's about it as they are keen to get disabled jurors so that the jury is representative. So if you get a notice to serve the best thing would be to ask then, perhaps with a letter from your doctor explaining your problems. (Mind you, doctors are no longer exempt either so if your doc has recently been on jury service may not be so keen!). I've ended up doing jury service twice, and find it really upsetting. I hated it! Too much violence and wasted lives.... Polly

[joan_w]

I was called for jury service this summer but I wrote and explained that with my spinal and knee problems I would be in great discomfort sitting in a jury box all day. I gave more details re consultant contacts etc, and I was excused.

I am hoping that my name does not come up again as you can only be excused once. I did ask for my name to be taken off the register as I am 66 and will soon not be called anyway and explained that my problems would not go away but I did not receive any reply to this.

I am sure if you write about your medical problems in detail they will consider them with understanding.,

Jo

[cathie]

I was called up recently but wasn't needed. Courts not far from where I live so it wasn't too much of a problem. Here in Scotland I think you just apply for exemption when you receive the forms. I imagine there's a problem with sitting around but I was ok to do it partly to feel useful. And public buildings have to be adapted to people with disabilities so there are lifts etc. I think it depends on distance to travel and how poorly you are.

[francherry]

I was called up a year ago and cited my health problems as well as starting a new job at the same time (which was true) and I was exempted from jury service. They were very sympathetic. I'm sure it would be fine.

[bestnana]

I was cited and got a letter from my doctor saying I had RA and to sit for long periods would be difficult Was exempted on health grounds( that was a few yrs ago and I have never had another call up since)