HC Deb 05 March 1984 vol 55 c394W
Mr. Terlezki

asked the Attorney-General what guidelines the Lord Chancellor issues concerning the exclusion of jurors from a jury panel.

The Attorney-General

The composition of jury panels is governed by statute. The Juries Act 1974 contains the current provisions relating to eligibility for, and disqualification and exemption from, jury service. The Lord Chancellor has no power to issue guidelines for the exclusion of jurors.

Mr. Terlezki

asked the Attorney-General if he is satisfied that jury-summoning officers have sufficient power to ensure that the persons summoned for jury service are not disqualified from serving.

The Attorney-General

A person summoned for jury service must declare that he or she is qualified to serve; it is an offence to make a false declaration. It is open to the parties to inspect the jury panel and, if they have reason to believe that a disqualified person has been included, to inform the jury summoning officer or exercise their right of challenge (in the case of a defendant) or, in the case of the prosecution to`stand by for the Crown'.