What jurors do
You do not need any special knowledge or abilities to serve as a juror. You will be asked to use your own judgement and sense of fairness to decide the facts of a case, based on the evidence.
The judge will explain everything else you need to know about the law.
A jury is made up of 12 jurors. Together, they give a verdict based on the evidence produced in court.
With a few exceptions, anyone charged with a serious criminal offence can choose a jury trial. Some civil cases are also tried with juries, such as defamation or personal injury cases.
Why jury service matters
Jury service is one of the most important duties that you can be asked to perform as an Irish citizen. It protects an individual’s rights and gives the public a direct role in the administration of justice.
The right to a jury trial is one of the most important principles in Irish law.
What happens on the day
All people summoned for jury service must attend court on the first day the jury panel is formed.
Where and when to go: your summons tells you the court, date and time you need to attend.
Never been in a courtroom? You can take a virtual tour of our courts to see what a courtroom looks like before you attend.
Jurors are selected
Court staff select the names of jurors randomly for a particular case. If your name is called, you have to go to the jury box.
More people than necessary are usually called, so you may not be selected on the day. The judge may then dismiss you from jury service for that particular day.
warning You must return each day
Being dismissed for the day does not end your jury service. You must return to court every day until the court tells you otherwise, so you can make yourself available to be sworn onto a jury for another case.
Jurors are sworn in
You do not become a juror until you:
- have been called into the jury box, and
- have either sworn on a holy book of your choice or affirmed that you will try the issues and return a true verdict according to the evidence.
During the trial
How long the trial lasts
info How long it lasts
The judge will tell you at the start of the trial how long the case is expected to last. Most cases are completed within 10 working days, but every trial is different.
Once you are selected for a jury, the working day is usually 10.00am to 4.30pm. However, hours of attendance may vary and depend on the judge.
Taking breaks
Regular breaks are provided during jury service. You can also request a bathroom break whenever you need one.
If a juror is challenged
An accused person may challenge up to seven prospective jurors. A challenge means that they may say that they do not want certain jurors and can do so without giving a reason.
The prosecution may also challenge seven prospective jurors. If your presence on the jury is successfully challenged, you will have to step down.
You should not let this upset you. It is not a personal reflection on you. Challenges are allowed to make sure that the proceedings are fair.
If you know someone involved in the trial
You may know the accused person, a witness, someone taking part in the trial, or you may be connected with the case in some other way.
If this happens:
- tell the judge before you have been sworn in or have affirmed
- if you become aware of a connection after the trial has started, immediately send a note to the judge through the foreperson of the jury
Payment for jury service
You are not paid for jury service and you will not receive travel expenses. However, your employer must continue to pay you during jury service, or your social welfare payments will continue.
Lunch is provided to serving jurors during the trial.
What to wear
There are no formal requirements for what you should wear to serve on a jury. However, you should not wear any item of clothing with a political or offensive slogan.
