What jurors do
You don’t need any special knowledge or training to be a juror. You use your own judgement and sense of fairness to decide the facts of a case, based on the evidence. The judge explains everything you need to know about the law.
A jury is made up of 12 jurors. Together, they reach a verdict based on the evidence given in court.
Most jury trials are for serious criminal offences. Some civil cases are heard by a jury too, such as defamation or personal injury cases.
Why jury service matters
Jury service is one of the most important duties you can be asked to do as a citizen. It protects people’s rights and gives the public a direct part in how justice is done. The right to a jury trial is a cornerstone of Irish law.
Your first day
Everyone summoned must come to court on the first day, when the jury panel is formed.
What to bring: [Courts Service to confirm — for example, your summons and photo ID].
Where and when to go: your summons tells you the court, date and time. [ to confirm arrival guidance, for example when to arrive and where to check in].
Never been in a courtroom? You can take a virtual tour of our courts to see what a courtroom looks like inside and move around it, so it feels familiar before your date.
Being selected
Court staff pick names at random for each case. If your name is called, you go to the jury box. More people are usually called than are needed, so you might not be selected. If you aren’t, the judge may release you for that day.
warning You must return each day
Being released for the day does not end your jury service. Return to court every day until the court tells you that you no longer need to attend.
Being sworn in
You only become a juror once you have been called to the jury box and have either sworn an oath (on a holy book of your choice) or made an ‘affirmation’. Both are a promise to consider the issues and return a true verdict based on the evidence. An affirmation is a non-religious version, with exactly the same effect.
During the trial
info How long it lasts
At the start, the judge tells you how long the case is expected to take. Most cases finish within 10 working days, but every trial is different. Once you’re on a jury, court hours are usually 10.00am to 4.30pm, though this can vary depending on the judge.
Taking breaks
Regular breaks are provided, and you can ask for a bathroom break whenever you need one.
If a juror is challenged
When a jury is being chosen, both sides can object to individual jurors being selected. This is called a ‘challenge’. The accused person may challenge up to seven prospective jurors, and the prosecution may also challenge seven. Neither side has to give a reason.
If your selection is challenged, you’ll step down from that jury. This is routine and not a reflection on you — challenges exist to keep the process fair.
If you know someone involved in the case
You might know the accused, a witness, or someone else connected to the case. If so:
- tell the judge before you are sworn in or have affirmed
- if you only realise once the trial has started, send a note to the judge straight away through the foreperson of the jury
This is routine — you’ll usually be asked to step down from that case.
Keeping the case confidential
What happens in the case must stay private, both in the jury room and outside court.
warning Do not discuss or post about the case
While you are serving, do not discuss the case with anyone outside the jury, and do not post about it online or on social media. This is a serious obligation. [ to confirm the exact rules, what counts as a breach, and whether they continue after the trial ends.]
Practical things
What to wear
There’s no dress code, but please don’t wear clothing with political or offensive slogans.
Phones and devices
[Courts Service to confirm whether you can bring and use a phone or laptop, and any restrictions while a trial is in progress.]
Pay, expenses and lunch
You are not paid a fee for jury service, and travel expenses are not provided. For how your pay and job are protected while you serve, what happens if you get a social welfare payment, and what to do if you’re self-employed, see jury service and your job.
Lunch is provided to serving jurors. [to confirm this is current, universal policy.]
After your service
If you need proof that you attended — for example, for your employer — you can get a certificate of attendance. See jury service and your job for how to get it.
Get help
For help with your jury service, or a reasonable adjustment so you can serve, see support and accessibility. Or contact the jury office at juries@courts.ie [Courts Service to confirm phone number and opening hours].
