HC Deb 17 March 1892 vol 2 c1046
MR. LENG (Dundee)

I beg to ask the Lord Advocate whether there is any sufficient reason for summoning between 36 and 50 jurors to try a civil cause in the Court of Session, or 45 jurors to try a criminal case in the ordinary Sheriff Courts in Scotland; whether he is aware that the summoning of so many jurors is much complained of; and whether, if the numbers summoned could be reduced without detriment to the administration of justice, he will take steps to authorise their reduction?

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Sir C. J. PEARSON,) Edinburgh and St. Andrews Universities

So far as juries in criminal cases are concerned, the object desired by the hon. Member has already been attained by a provision of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1887, which provides that sufficient jurors only shall be summoned. Whether a somewhat similar provision might be enacted as regards jury trial in the Civil Courts is well worthy of consideration should a favourable opportunity occur of legislating on the subject.