Juries Act 1974

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Juries Act 1974

1974 CHAPTER 23
An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to juries, jurors and jury service with
corrections and improvements made under the Consolidation of Enactments (Procedure)
Act 1949. [9th July 1974]
Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Act amended by S.I. 1986/1081, regs. 2, 51(6)
C2 By Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), s. 101(1), Sch. 12 para. 23; S.I. 1991/2208, art. 2(1),
Sch.1 it is provided (14.10.1991) that in relation to any time before the commencement of s.70 of
that 1991 Act (which came into force on 1.10.1992 by S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2) references in
any enactment amended by that 1991 Act, to youth courts shall be construed as references to juvenile
courts.
Commencement Information
I1 Act wholly in force at 9. 8. 1974 see s. 23(3)
[F11 Qualification for jury service

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, every person shall be qualified to serve as a juror
in the Crown Court, the High Court and [F2the county court] and be liable accordingly
to attend for jury service when summoned under this Act if—
(a) he is for the time being registered as a parliamentary or local government
elector [F3and aged eighteen or over but under seventy six] ;
(b) he has been ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands
or the Isle of Man for any period of at least five years since attaining the age
of thirteen; and
F4
(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(d) he is not disqualified for jury service.
F5
(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3) The persons who are disqualified for jury service are those listed in [F6Schedule 1].]
2 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
Document Generated: 2019-10-19
Textual Amendments
F1 S. 1 substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para. 2; S.I.
2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g) (with art. 2(4))
F2 Words in s. 1(1) substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para.
96(a); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956,
arts. 3-11)
F3 Words in s. 1(1)(a) substituted (1.12.2016) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 68(2),
95(1); S.I. 2016/896, art. 3(b)
F4 Words in s. 1(1)(c) omitted (15.7.2013) by virtue of Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 (c. 8),
ss. 2(1)(a), 4(2); S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
F5 S. 1(2) omitted (15.7.2013) by virtue of Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 (c. 8), ss. 2(1)(b),
4(2); S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
F6 Words in s. 1(3) substituted (15.7.2013) by Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 (c. 8), ss. 2(1)(c),
4(2); S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
2 Summoning.
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Lord Chancellor shall be responsible for the
summoning of jurors to attend for service in the Crown Court, the High Court and
[F7the county court] and for determining the occasions on which they are to attend
when so summoned, and the number to be summoned.
(2) In making arrangements to discharge his duty under subsection (1) above the Lord
Chancellor shall have regard to the convenience of the persons summoned and to their
respective places of residence, and in particular to the desirability of selecting jurors
within reasonable daily travelling distance of the place where they are to attend.
(3) Subject to subsection (2) above, there shall be no restriction on the places in England
and Wales at which a person may be required to attend or serve on a jury under this Act.
(4) Subject to the provisions of this Act, jurors shall be so summoned by notice in writing
sent by post, or delivered by hand.
For the purposes of [F8section 7 of the Interpretation Act M11978] (presumption as to
receipt of letter properly addressed and sent by post) the notice shall be regarded as
properly addressed if the address is that shown in the electoral register, and a notice
so addressed, and delivered by hand to that address, shall be deemed to have been
delivered personally to the person to whom it is addressed unless the contrary is
proved.
(5) A written summons sent or delivered to any person under subsection (4) above shall
be accompanied by a notice informing him—
(a) of the effect of sections 1, F9. . . 10 and 20(5) of this Act; and
(b) that he may make representations to the appropriate officer with a view to
obtaining the withdrawal of the summons, if for any reason he is not qualified
for jury service, or wishes or is entitled to be excused;
and where a person [F10is summoned under subsection (4) above or] under section 6
of this Act, the appropriate officer may [F11at any time] put or cause to be put to him
such questions as the officer thinks fit in order to establish whether or not the person
is qualified for jury service.
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 3
(6) A certificate signed by the appropriate officer and stating that a written summons under
this Act, properly addressed and prepaid, was posted by him shall be admissible as
evidence in any proceedings, and shall be so admissible without proof of his signature
or official character.
Textual Amendments
arts. 3-11)
F8 Words substituted by virtue of Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30), s. 17(2)
F9 Word in s. 2(5)(a) repealed (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 332, 336, Sch. 37 Pt.
10; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(l)(iv)
F10 Words substituted by Administration of Justice Act 1982 (c. 53, SIF 37), s. 61(a)
F11 Words inserted by Administration of Justice Act 1982 (c. 53, SIF 37), s. 61(b)

C3 S. 2: reference to the register of parliamentary and local government electors to be construed as
mentioned in Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2, SIF 42), ss. 205, 206, Sch. 7 para. 10
C4 S. 2 modified (31.8.1999) by S.I. 1999/2128, art. 3(2).
Marginal Citations
M1 1978 c. 30.
3 Electoral register as basis of jury selection.

(1) Every electoral registration officer under the [F12Representation of the People Act
1983] shall as soon as practicable after the publication of any register of electors for
his area deliver to such officer as the Lord Chancellor may designate such number
of copies of the register as the designated officer may require for the purpose of
summoning jurors, and on each copy there shall be indicated those persons on the
register whom the registration officer has ascertained to be, or to have been on a date
also indicated on the copy [F13—
(a) aged under eighteen, or
(b) aged seventy six or over].
[F14(1A) If a register to be delivered under subsection (1) above includes any anonymous entries
(within the meaning of that Act of 1983) the registration officer must, at the same time
as he delivers the register, also deliver to the designated officer any record prepared
in pursuance of provision made as mentioned in paragraph 8A of Schedule 2 to that
Act which relates to such anonymous entries.]
(2) The reference in subsection (1) above to a register of electors does not include a ward
list within the meaning of section 4(1) of the City of London (Various Powers) Act
M2
1957.
(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F15
Textual Amendments
F12 Words substituted by Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 206, Sch. 8 para. 17
F13 Words in s. 3(1) substituted (9.9.2016) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 68(3), 95(1);
S.I. 2016/896, art. 2(b)
F14 S. 3(1A) inserted (1.1.2007) by Electoral Administration Act 2006 (c. 22), ss. 10(2), 77(2), Sch. 1
para. 1; S.I. 2006/3412, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 12(a)
F15 S. 3(3) repealed by Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2, SIF 42), s. 206, Sch. 9 Pt. II

C5 S. 3(1): references to the register of parliamentary and local government electors in each place where
occurring to be construed as mentioned in Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2, SIF 42), ss 205,
206, Sch. 7 para. 10
C6 S. 3(2): reference to the register of parliamentary and local government electors to be construed as
mentioned in Representation of the People Act 1983 (c. 2, SIF 42), ss. 205, 206, Sch. 7 para. 10
Marginal Citations
M2 1957 c. x.
4 Withdrawal or alteration of summonses.

If it appears to the appropriate officer, at any time before the day on which any
person summoned under section 2 of this Act is first to attend, that his attendance is
unnecessary, or can be dispensed with on any particular day or days, the appropriate
officer may withdraw or alter the summons by notice served in the same way as a
notice of summons.
5 Panels.
(1) The arrangements to be made by the Lord Chancellor under this Act shall include the
preparation of lists (called panels) of persons summoned as jurors, and the information
to be included in panels, the court sittings for which they are prepared, their division
into parts or sets (whether according to the day of first attendance or otherwise), their
enlargement or amendment, and all other matters relating to the contents and form of
the panels shall be such as the Lord Chancellor may from time to time direct.
(2) A party to proceedings in which jurors are or may be called on to try an issue, and any
person acting on behalf of a party to such proceedings, shall be entitled to reasonable
facilities for inspecting the panel from which the jurors are or will be drawn.
(3) The right conferred by subsection (2) above shall not be exercisable after the close
of the trial by jury (or after the time when it is no longer possible for there to be a
trial by jury).
(4) The court may, if it thinks fit, at any time afford to any person facilities for inspecting
the panel, although not given the right by subsection (2) above.
[F16(5) The Lord Chancellor must consult the Lord Chief Justice before giving any direction
under subsection (1).
(6) The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in
section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under
this section.]
Textual Amendments
F16 S. 5(5)(6) inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15, 148, Sch. 4 para. 78;
S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 11(e)
6 Summoning in exceptional circumstances.

(1) If it appears to the court that a jury to try any issue before the court will be, or probably
will be, incomplete, the court may, if the court thinks fit, require any persons who are
in, or in the vicinity of, the court, to be summoned (without any written notice) for
jury service up to the number needed (after allowing for any who may not be qualified
under section 1 of this Act, and for [F17excusals] and challenges) to make up a full jury.
(2) The names of the persons so summoned shall be added to the panel and the court shall
proceed as if those so summoned had been included in the panel in the first instance.
Textual Amendments
F17 Word substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 123(6), 170(1), Sch. 8 para. 16,
Sch. 15 para. 45
7 Attendance and service.

Subject to the provisions of this Act, a person summoned under this Act shall attend
for so many days as may be directed by the summons or by the appropriate officer, and
shall be liable to serve on any jury (in the Crown Court or the High Court or [F18the
county] court) at the place to which he is summoned, or in the vicinity.
Textual Amendments
F18 Words in s. 7 substituted (22.4.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(3), Sch. 9 para.
96(b); S.I. 2014/954, art. 2(c) (with art. 3) (with transitional provisions and savings in S.I. 2014/956,
arts. 3-11)
8 Excusal for previous jury service.

(1) If a person summoned under this Act shows to the satisfaction of the appropriate
officer, or of the court (or any of the courts) to which he is summoned—
(a) that he has served on a jury, or duly attended to serve on a jury, in the
prescribed period ending with the service of the summons on him, or
(b) that the Crown Court or any other court has excused him from jury service
for a period which has not terminated,
the officer or court shall excuse him from attending, or further attending, in pursuance
of the summons.
(2) In subsection (1) above “the prescribed period” means two years or such longer period
as the Lord Chancellor may prescribe by order made by statutory instrument subject
to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament, and any such
order may be varied or revoked by a subsequent order under this subsection.
(3) Records of persons summoned under this Act, and of persons included in panels, shall
be kept in such manner as the Lord Chancellor may direct, and the Lord Chancellor
may, if he thinks fit, make arrangements for allowing inspection of the records so kept
by members of the public in such circumstances and subject to such conditions as he
may prescribe.
(4) A person duly attending in compliance with a summons under this Act shall be entitled
on application to the appropriate officer to a certificate recording that he has so
attended.
(5) In subsection (1) above the words “served on a jury” refer to service on a jury in any
court, including any court of assize or other court abolished by the Courts Act M31971,
but excluding service on a jury in a coroner’s court.
Marginal Citations
M3 1971 c. 23.
9 Excusal for certain persons and discretionary excusal.

(1) F19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2) If any person summoned under this Act shows to the satisfaction of the appropriate
officer that there is good reason why he should be excused from attending in pursuance
of the summons, the appropriate officer may [F20, subject to section 9A(1A) of this
Act,] excuse him from so attending F21. . . .
[F22(2A) Without prejudice to subsection (2) above, the appropriate officer shall excuse a
[F23member of the regular forces] from attending in pursuance of a summons if—
(a) that member’s commanding officer certifies to the appropriate officer that it
would be prejudicial to the efficiency of the service if that member were to
be required to be absent from duty, and
(b) subsection (2A) or (2B) of section 9A of this Act applies.
(2B) Subsection (2A) above does not affect the application of subsection (2) above to a
[F24member of the regular forces ] in a case where he is not entitled to be excused
under subsection (2A).]
(3) [F25Criminal Procedure Rules] shall provide a right of appeal to the court (or one of
the courts) before which the person is summoned to attend against any refusal of the
appropriate officer to excuse him under subsection (2) above [F26or any failure by the
appropriate officer to excuse him as required by subsection (2A) above].
(4) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this section, the court (or any of the
courts) before which a person is summoned to attend under this Act may excuse that
person from so attending;
Textual Amendments
F19 S. 9(1) repealed (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 332, 336, Sch. 33 para. 3,
Sch. 37 Pt. 10; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)(l)(iv)
F20 Words in s. 9(2) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para.
4; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F21 Words in s. 9(2) repealed (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 332, 336, Sch. 37 Pt. 10;
S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(l)(iv)
F22 S. 9(2A)(2B) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para. 5;
S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F23 Words in s. 9(2A) substituted (30.6.2018) by Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act 2018 (c. 2), ss.
2(2), 3(3); S.I. 2018/799, reg. 2
F24 Words in s. 9(2B) substituted (30.6.2018) by Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act 2018 (c. 2), ss.
2(2), 3(3); S.I. 2018/799, reg. 2
F25 Words in s. 9(3) substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para.
172(a); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(viii) (with art. 3)
F26 Words in s. 9(3) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para.
6; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
[F279A Discretionary deferral.

(1) If any person summoned under this Act shows to the satisfaction of the appropriate
officer that there is good reason why his attendance in pursuance of the summons
should be deferred, the appropriate officer may [F28, subject to subsection (2) below,]
defer his attendance, and, if he does so, he shall vary the days on which that person is
summoned to attend and the summons shall have effect accordingly.
[ Without prejudice to subsection (1) above and subject to subsection (2) below, the
F29
(1A) appropriate officer—
(a) shall defer the attendance of a [F30member of the regular forces] in pursuance
of a summons if subsection (1B) below applies, and
(b) for this purpose, shall vary the dates upon which that member is summoned
to attend and the summons shall have effect accordingly.
(1B) This subsection applies if that member’s commanding officer certifies to the
appropriate officer that it would be prejudicial to the efficiency of the service if that
member were to be required to be absent from duty.
(1C) Nothing in subsection (1A) or (1B) above shall affect the application of subsection (1)
above to a [F31member of the regular forces ] in a case where subsection (1B) does
not apply.]
[F32(2) The attendance of a person in pursuance of a summons shall not be deferred under
subsection (1) or (1A) above if subsection (2A) or (2B) below applies.]
[ This subsection applies where a deferral of the attendance of the person in pursuance
F33
(2A) of the summons has previously been made or refused under subsection (1) above or
has previously been made under subsection (1A) above.
(2B) This subsection applies where—
(a) the person is a [F34member of the regular forces ], and
(b) in addition to certifying to the appropriate officer that it would be prejudicial
to the efficiency of the service if that member were to be required to be absent
from duty, that member’s commanding officer certifies that this position is
likely to remain for any period specified for the purpose of this subsection in
guidance issued under section 9AA of this Act.]
(3) [F35Criminal Procedure Rules] shall provide a right of appeal to the court (or one of
the courts) before which the person is summoned to attend against any refusal of
the appropriate officer to defer his attendance under subsection (1) above [F36or any
failure by the appropriate officer to defer his attendance as required by subsection (1A)
above].
(4) Without prejudice to the preceding provisions of this section, the court (or any of the
courts) before which a person is summoned to attend under this Act may defer his
attendance.]
Textual Amendments
F27 S. 9A inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 120, 123(6), Sch. 8 para. 16
F28 Words in s. 9A(1) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para.
7; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F29 S. 9A(1A)-(1C) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para.
8; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F30 Words in s. 9A(1A) substituted (30.6.2018) by Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act 2018 (c. 2), ss.
2(3), 3(3); S.I. 2018/799, reg. 2
F31 Words in s. 9A(1C) substituted (30.6.2018) by Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act 2018 (c. 2), ss.
2(3), 3(3); S.I. 2018/799, reg. 2
F32 S. 9A(2) substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para. 9; S.I.
2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F33 S. 9A(2A)(2B) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para.
10; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F34 Words in s. 9A(2B)(a) substituted (30.6.2018) by Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act 2018 (c. 2),
ss. 2(3), 3(3); S.I. 2018/799, reg. 2
F35 Words in s. 9A(3) substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para.
172(b); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(viii) (with art. 3)
F36 Words in s. 9A(3) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para.
11; S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
[F379AA Requirement to issue guidance

(1) The Lord Chancellor shall [F38, after consulting the Lord Chief Justice,] issue guidance
as to the manner in which the functions of the appropriate officer under sections 9 and
9A of this Act are to be exercised.
(2) The Lord Chancellor shall—
(a) lay before each House of Parliament the guidance, and any revised guidance,
issued under this section, and
(b) arrange for the guidance, or revised guidance, to be published in a manner
which he considers appropriate.
[ The Lord Chief Justice may nominate a judicial office holder (as defined in
F39
(3) section 109(4) of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005) to exercise his functions under
this section.]]
Textual Amendments
F37 S. 9AA inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para. 12; S.I.
2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F38 Words in s. 9AA(1) inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15, 148, Sch. 4
para. 79(2); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 11(e)
F39 S. 9AA(3) inserted (3.4.2006) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 15, 148, Sch. 4 para.
79(3); S.I. 2006/1014, art. 2(a), Sch. 1 para. 11(e)
[F409B Discharge of summonses to disabled persons only if incapable of acting

effectively as a juror.
(1) Where it appears to the appropriate officer, in the case of a person attending in
pursuance of a summons under this Act, that on account of physical disability there is
doubt as to his capacity to act effectively as a juror, the person may be brought before
the judge.
(2) The judge shall determine whether or not the person should act as a juror; but he shall
affirm the summons unless he is of the opinion that the person will not, on account
of his disability, be capable of acting effectively as a juror, in which case he shall
discharge the summons.
[F41(3) In this section and section 10 “the judge” means—
(a) a judge of the High Court,
(b) a Circuit judge,
(c) a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts),F42...
(d) a Recorder.]][F43, or
(e) subject to subsection (4), a qualifying judge advocate (within the meaning of
the Senior Courts Act 1981).
(4) Subsection (3)(e) applies only where the case relates to a summons to attend for jury
service in the Crown Court.]
Textual Amendments
F40 S. 9B added (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 41; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F41 S. 9B(3) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 65, 110, Sch. 4 para. 3; S.I. 2005/910,
art. 3(u)
F42 Word in s. 9B(3)(c) repealed (2.4.2012) by Armed Forces Act 2011 (c. 18), s. 32(3), Sch. 2 para. 9(a),
Sch. 5; S.I. 2012/669, art. 4(c)(f)(i)
F43 S. 9B(3)(e)(4) and word inserted (2.4.2012) by Armed Forces Act 2011 (c. 18), s. 32(3), Sch. 2 para.
9(b) (with Sch. 2 para. 10); S.I. 2012/669, art. 4(c); S.I. 2012/669, art. 4(c)
10 Discharge of summonses in case of doubt as to capacity to act effectively as a

juror.
Where it appears to the appropriate officer, in the case of a person attending in
pursuance of a summons under this Act, that on account of F44. . . insufficient
understanding of English there is doubt as to his capacity to act effectively as a juror,
the person may be brought before the judge, who shall determine whether or not he
should act as a juror and, if not, shall discharge the summons F45. . . .
Textual Amendments
F44 Words in s. 10 repealed (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(3), Sch. 11; S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1,
Appendix C
10 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
F45 Words in s. 10 repealed (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 65, 109(3), 110, Sch. 4 para. 4, Sch.
10; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(u)(aa)
11 The ballot and swearing of jurors.

(1) The jury to try an issue before a court shall be selected by ballot in open court from
the panel, or part of the panel, of jurors summoned to attend at the time and place in
question.
(2) The power of summoning jurors under section 6 of this Act may be exercised after
balloting has begun, as well as earlier, and if exercised after balloting has begun the
court may dispense with balloting for persons summoned under that section.
(3) No two or more members of a jury to try an issue in a court shall be sworn together.
(4) Subject to subsection (5) below, the jury selected by any one ballot shall try only one
issue (but any juror shall be liable to be selected on more than one ballot).
(5) Subsection (4) above shall not prevent—
(a) the trial of two or more issues by the same jury if the trial of the second or last
issue begins within 24 hours from the time when the jury is constituted, or
(b) F46. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(c) in a criminal case beginning with a special plea, the trial of the accused on the
general issue by the jury trying the special plea.
(6) In the cases within subsection (5)(a)F47. . . and (c) above the court may, on the trial of the
second or any subsequent issue, instead of proceeding with the same jury in its entirety,
order any juror to withdraw, if the court considers he could be justly challenged or
excused, or if the parties to the proceedings consent, and the juror to replace him shall,
subject to subsection (2) above, be selected by ballot in open court.
Textual Amendments
F46 S. 11(5)(b) repealed (31.3.2005) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss. 58(1)
(2), 60, Sch. 10 para. 8(2), Sch. 11 (with Sch. 12 para. 8); S.I. 2005/579, art. 3(g)(i)(iv)
F47 Word in s. 11(6) repealed (31.3.2005) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss.
58(1)(2), 60, Sch. 10 para. 8(3), Sch. 11 (with Sch. 12 para. 8); S.I. 2005/579, art. 3(i)(iv)
12 Challenge.
(1) In proceedings for the trial of any person for an offence on indictment—
(a) that person may challenge . . . F48all or any of the jurors for cause, and
(b) any challenge for cause shall be tried by the judge before whom that person
is to be tried.
(2) Any party to county court proceedings to be tried by a jury shall have the same right
of challenge to all or any of the jurors as he would have in the High Court.
(3) A challenge to a juror in any court shall be made after his name has been drawn
by ballot (unless the court, pursuant to section 11(2) of this Act, has dispensed with
balloting for him) and before he is sworn.
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 11
(4) The fact that a person summoned to serve on a jury is not qualified to serve shall be a
ground of challenge for cause; but subject to that, and to the foregoing provisions of
this section, nothing in this Act affects the law relating to challenge of jurors.
(5) In section 29 of the Juries Act M41825 (challenges to jurors by the Crown) the words
“the Crown Court” shall continue to be substituted for the words “any of the courts
hereinbefore mentioned”, notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of paragraph 3(2)
of Schedule 4 to the Courts Act M51971 and of the entries relating to the said Act in
Schedule 5 to the Criminal Justice Act M61972.
(6) Without prejudice to subsection (4) above, the right of challenge to the array, that is to
say the right of challenge on the ground that the person responsible for summoning the
jurors in question is biased or has acted improperly, shall continue to be unaffected by
the fact that, since the coming into operation of section 31 of the Courts Act M71971
(which is replaced by this Act), the responsibility for summoning jurors for service
in the Crown Court, the High Court and [F49the county court] has lain with the Lord
Chancellor.
Textual Amendments
F48 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 123(6), 170(2), Sch. 8 para. 16,
Sch. 16
arts. 3-11)
Marginal Citations
M4 1825 c. 50.
M5 1971 c. 23.
M6 1972 c. 71.
M7 1971 c. 23.
[F5013 Separation.
If, on the trial of any person for an offence on indictment, the court thinks fit, it may at
any time (whether before or after the jury have been directed to consider their verdict)
permit the jury to separate.
Textual Amendments
F50 S. 13 substituted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 43(1); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
14 Views.]
[F51Criminal Procedure Rules and Civil Procedure Rules] may make provision as
respects views by jurors, and the places to which a juror may be called on to go to
view shall not be restricted to any particular county or other area.
12 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
Textual Amendments
F50 S. 13 substituted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 43(1); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2(1), Sch. 1
F51 Words in s. 14 substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), ss. 109(1), 110, Sch. 8 para. 173;
S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(viii) (with art. 3)
15 Refreshment.
Jurors, after being sworn, may, in the discretion of the court, be allowed reasonable
refreshment at their own expense.
[F5215A Surrender of electronic communications devices

(1) A judge dealing with an issue may order the members of a jury trying the issue to
surrender any electronic communications devices for a period.
(2) An order may be made only if the judge considers that—
(a) the order is necessary or expedient in the interests of justice, and
(b) the terms of the order are a proportionate means of safeguarding those
interests.
(3) An order may only specify a period during which the members of the jury are—
(a) in the building in which the trial is being heard,
(b) in other accommodation provided at the judge's request,
(c) visiting a place in accordance with arrangements made by the court, or
(d) travelling to or from a place mentioned in paragraph (b) or (c).
(4) An order may be made subject to exceptions.
(5) It is a contempt of court for a member of a jury to fail to surrender an electronic
communications device in accordance with an order under this section.
(6) Proceedings for a contempt of court under this section may only be instituted on the
motion of a court having jurisdiction to deal with it.
(7) In this section, “electronic communications device” means a device that is designed
or adapted for a use which consists of or includes the sending or receiving of signals
that are transmitted by means of an electronic communications network (as defined in
section 32 of the Communications Act 2003).]
Textual Amendments
F52 S. 15A inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 69, 95(1); S.I.
2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 54
16 Continuation of criminal trial on death or discharge of juror.

(1) Where in the course of a trial of any person for an offence on indictment any member of
the jury dies or is discharged by the court whether as being through illness incapable of
continuing to act or for any other reason, but the number of its members is not reduced
below nine, the jury shall nevertheless (subject to subsections (2) and (3) below) be
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 13
considered as remaining for all the purposes of that trial properly constituted, and the
trial shall proceed and a verdict may be given accordingly.
(2) On a trial . . . F53for any offence punishable with death subsection (1) above shall not
apply on the death or discharge of any member of the jury unless assent to its then
applying is given in writing by or on behalf of both the prosecution and the accused
or each of the accused.
(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1) above, on the death or discharge of a member of the
jury in the course of a trial of any person for an offence on indictment the court may
discharge the jury in any case where the court sees fit to do so.
Textual Amendments
F53 Words repealed by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 121, 123(6), 170(2), Sch. 8 para.
16, Sch. 16
17 Majority verdicts.
(1) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, the verdict of a jury in proceedings in the
Crown Court or the High Court need not be unanimous if—
(a) in a case where there are not less than eleven jurors, ten of them agree on the
verdict; and
(b) in a case where there are ten jurors, nine of them agree on the verdict.
(2) Subject to subsection (4) below, the verdict of a jury (that is to say a complete jury
of eight) in proceedings in [F54the county] court need not be unanimous if seven of
them agree on the verdict.
(3) The Crown Court shall not accept a verdict of guilty by virtue of subsection (1) above
unless the foreman of the jury has stated in open court the number of jurors who
respectively agreed to and dissented from the verdict.
(4) No court shall accept a verdict by virtue of subsection (1) or (2) above unless it appears
to the court that the jury have had such period of time for deliberation as the court
thinks reasonable having regard to the nature and complexity of the case; and the
Crown Court shall in any event not accept such a verdict unless it appears to the court
that the jury have had at least two hours for deliberation.
(5) This section is without prejudice to any practice in civil proceedings by which a court
may accept a majority verdict with the consent of the parties, or by which the parties
may agree to proceed in any case with an incomplete jury.
Textual Amendments
arts. 3-11)
14 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
18 Judgments: stay or reversal.

(1) No judgment after verdict in any trial by jury in any court shall be stayed or reversed
by reason—
(a) that the provisions of this Act about the summoning or impanelling of jurors,
or the selection of jurors by ballot, have not been complied with, or
(b) that a juror was not qualified in accordance with section 1 of this Act, or
(c) that any juror was misnamed or misdescribed, or
(d) that any juror was unfit to serve.
(2) Subsection (1)(a) above shall not apply to any irregularity if objection is taken at, or
as soon as practicable after, the time it occurs, and the irregularity is not corrected.
(3) Nothing in subsection (1) above shall apply to any objection to a verdict on the ground
of personation.
19 Payment for jury service.

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, a person who serves as a juror shall
be entitled, in respect of his attendance at court for the purpose of performing jury
service, to receive payments, at [F55rates determined by the Lord Chancellor with the
consent of the Minister for the Civil Service] and subject to any prescribed conditions,
by way of allowance—
(a) for travelling and subsistence; and
(b) for financial loss, where in consequence of his attendance for that purpose he
has incurred any expenditure (otherwise than on travelling and subsistence)
to which he would not otherwise be subject or he has suffered any loss of
earnings, or of benefit under the enactments relating to . . . F56 social security,
which he would otherwise have made or received.
[F57(1A) The reference in subsection (1) above to payments by way of allowance for subsistence
includes a reference to vouchers and other benefits which may be used to pay for
subsistence, whether or not their use is subject to any limitations.]
(2) Subsection (1) above shall not apply to service on a coroner’s jury (for which provision
for payment is made by [F58Schedule 7 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009]).
(3) The determination of the amounts payable to persons under subsection (1) above, and
the manner of making those payments, shall be in accordance with arrangements made
by the Lord Chancellor and all such payments shall be made out of moneys provided
by Parliament.
(4) In subsection (1) above “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by
statutory instrument by the Lord Chancellor with the consent of the Minister for the
Civil Service; and for the purposes of that subsection a person who, in obedience to a
summons to serve on a jury, attends for service as a juror shall be deemed to serve as
a juror notwithstanding that he is not subsequently sworn.
(5) Save as provided by [F59Schedule 7 to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009], no person
shall be entitled under any Act other than this Act or under any rule of law, custom or
agreement to payment for his services as a juror.
(6) This section shall not apply to service on a jury summoned for the purposes of a trial
of the pyx under section 8 of the Coinage Act M81971.
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 15
(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F60
Textual Amendments
F55 Words substituted by Administration of Justice Act 1977 (c. 38), Sch. 2 Pt. I para. 7
F56 Words repealed by Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1975 (c. 18), Sch. 1 Pt. I
F57 S. 19(1A) inserted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para. 13; S.I.
2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F58 Words in s. 19(2) substituted (25.7.2013) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(4)(e), Sch.
21 para. 24 (with s. 180); S.I. 2013/1869, art. 2(o)(xi)
F59 Words in s. 19(5) substituted (25.7.2013) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(4)(e), Sch.
21 para. 24 (with s. 180); S.I. 2013/1869, art. 2(o)(xi)
F60 S. 19(7) repealed by Social Security (Consequential Provisions) Act 1975 (c. 18, SIF 113:1), s. 1(2),
Sch. 1 Pt. I and also expressed to be repealed by Administration of Justice Act 1977 (c. 38, SIF 37), s.
32(4), Sch. 5 Pt. II

C7 S. 19(1): certain functions of the Minister for the Civil Service are transferred to the Treasury and
references to that Minister are to be construed as mentioned in S.I. 1981/1670, arts. 2(2), 3(5)
Marginal Citations
M8 1971 c. 24.
20 [F61Offences: failure to attend, serving while disqualified etc]

(1) Subject to the provisions of subsections (2) to (4) below—
(a) if a person duly summoned under this Act fails to attend (on the first or on
any subsequent day on which he is required to attend by the summons or by
the appropriate officer) in compliance with the summons, or
(b) if a person, after attending in pursuance of a summons, is not available when
called on to serve as a juror, or is unfit for service by reason of drink or drugs,
he shall be liable to a fine not exceeding £100.
(2) An offence under subsection (1) above shall be punishable either on summary
conviction or as if it were criminal contempt of court committed in the face of the court.
(3) Subsection (1)(a) above shall not apply to a person summoned, otherwise than under
section 6 of this Act, unless the summons was duly served on him on a date not later
than fourteen days before the date fixed by the summons for his first attendance.
(4) A person shall not be liable to be punished under the preceding provisions of this
section if he can show some reasonable cause for his failure to comply with the
summons, or for not being available when called on to serve, and those provisions
have effect subject to the provisions of this Act about the withdrawal or alteration of
a summons and about the granting of any excusal [F62or deferral].
(5) If any person—
(a) having been summoned under this Act makes, or causes or permits to be
made on his behalf, any false representation to the appropriate officer with the
intention of evading jury service; or
16 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
(b) makes or causes to be made on behalf of another person who has been
so summoned any false representation to that officer with the intention of
enabling the other to evade jury service; or
(c) when any question is put to him in pursuance of section 2(5) of this Act,
refuses without reasonable excuse to answer, or gives an answer which he
knows to be false in a material particular, or recklessly gives an answer which
is false in a material particular; or
[F63(d) knowing that he is disqualified under Part 2 of Schedule 1 to this Act, serves
on a jury;]
(e) knowing that he is not qualified for jury service by reason of section 40 of the
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, serves on a jury,
he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than [F64level 5 on the
standard scale] in the case of an offence of serving on a jury when disqualified and,
in any other case, a fine of not more than [F64level 3 on the standard scale]
Textual Amendments
F61 S. 20 heading substituted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 71(2), 95(1);
S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 56 (with Sch. 2 para. 3(a))
F62 Words inserted by Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33, SIF 39:1), ss. 123(6), 170(1), Sch. 8 para. 16, Sch.
15 para. 46
F63 S. 20(5)(d) substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para. 14;
S.I. 2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F64 Words substituted by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38, 46

C8 S. 20(1) amended by Criminal Justice Act 1982 (c. 48, SIF 39:1), ss. 38 (increase of fines) and 46
(conversion to a level on the standard scale)
[F6520A Offence: research by jurors

(1) It is an offence for a member of a jury that tries an issue in a case before a court to
research the case during the trial period, subject to the exceptions in subsections (6)
and (7).
(2) A person researches a case if (and only if) the person—
(a) intentionally seeks information, and
(b) when doing so, knows or ought reasonably to know that the information is or
may be relevant to the case.
(3) The ways in which a person may seek information include—
(a) asking a question,
(b) searching an electronic database, including by means of the internet,
(c) visiting or inspecting a place or object,
(d) conducting an experiment, and
(e) asking another person to seek the information.
(4) Information relevant to the case includes information about—
(a) a person involved in events relevant to the case,
(b) the judge dealing with the issue,
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 17
(c) any other person involved in the trial, whether as a lawyer, a witness or
otherwise,
(d) the law relating to the case,
(e) the law of evidence, and
(f) court procedure.
(5) “The trial period”, in relation to a member of a jury that tries an issue, is the period—
(a) beginning when the person is sworn to try the issue, and
(b) ending when the judge discharges the jury or, if earlier, when the judge
discharges the person.
(6) It is not an offence under this section for a person to seek information if the person
needs the information for a reason which is not connected with the case.
(7) It is not an offence under this section for a person—
(a) to attend proceedings before the court on the issue;
(b) to seek information from the judge dealing with the issue;
(c) to do anything which the judge dealing with the issue directs or authorises the
person to do;
(d) to seek information from another member of the jury, unless the person knows
or ought reasonably to know that the other member of the jury contravened
this section in the process of obtaining the information;
(e) to do anything else which is reasonably necessary in order for the jury to try
the issue.
(8) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable, on conviction on indictment,
to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or a fine (or both).
(9) Proceedings for an offence under this section may only be instituted by or with the
consent of the Attorney General.]
Textual Amendments
F65 S. 20A inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 71(3), 95(1); S.I.
2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 56 (with Sch. 2 para. 3(a))
[F6620B Offence: sharing research with other jurors

(1) It is an offence for a member of a jury that tries an issue in a case before a court
intentionally to disclose information to another member of the jury during the trial
period if—
(a) the member contravened section 20A in the process of obtaining the
information, and
(b) the information has not been provided by the court.
(2) Information has been provided by the court if (and only if) it has been provided as
part of—
(a) evidence presented in the proceedings on the issue, or
(b) other information provided to the jury or a juror during the trial period by, or
with the permission of, the judge dealing with the issue.
18 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
(4) Proceedings for an offence under this section may not be instituted except by or with
the consent of the Attorney General.
(5) In this section, “the trial period” has the same meaning as in section 20A.]
Textual Amendments
F66 S. 20B inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 72, 95(1); S.I.
[F6720C Offence: jurors engaging in other prohibited conduct

(1) It is an offence for a member of a jury that tries an issue in a case before a court
intentionally to engage in prohibited conduct during the trial period, subject to the
exceptions in subsections (4) and (5).
(2) “Prohibited conduct” means conduct from which it may reasonably be concluded that
the person intends to try the issue otherwise than on the basis of the evidence presented
in the proceedings on the issue.
(3) An offence under this section is committed whether or not the person knows that the
conduct is prohibited conduct.
(4) It is not an offence under this section for a member of the jury to research the case (as
defined in section 20A(2) to (4)).
(5) It is not an offence under this section for a member of the jury to disclose information
to another member of the jury.
(8) In this section, “the trial period” has the same meaning as in section 20A.]
Textual Amendments
F67 S. 20C inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 73, 95(1); S.I.
[F6820D Offence: disclosing jury's deliberations

(1) It is an offence for a person intentionally—
(a) to disclose information about statements made, opinions expressed,
arguments advanced or votes cast by members of a jury in the course of their
deliberations in proceedings before a court, or
(b) to solicit or obtain such information,
subject to the exceptions in sections 20E to 20G.
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 19
Textual Amendments
F68 Ss. 20D-20G inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 74(1), 95(1); S.I.
20E Offence of disclosing jury's deliberations: initial exceptions

(1) It is not an offence under section 20D for a person to disclose information in the
proceedings mentioned in section 20D(1) for the purposes of enabling the jury to arrive
at their verdict or in connection with the delivery of that verdict.
(2) It is not an offence under section 20D for the judge dealing with those proceedings
to disclose information—
(a) for the purposes of dealing with the case, or
(b) for the purposes of an investigation by a relevant investigator into whether an
offence or contempt of court has been committed by or in relation to a juror
in the proceedings mentioned in section 20D(1).
(3) It is not an offence under section 20D for a person who reasonably believes that a
disclosure described in subsection (2)(b) has been made to disclose information for
the purposes of the investigation.
(4) It is not an offence under section 20D to publish information disclosed as described
in subsection (1) or (2)(a) in the proceedings mentioned in section 20D(1).
(5) In this section—
“publish” means make available to the public or a section of the public;
“relevant investigator” means—
(a) a police force;
(b) the Attorney General;
(c) any other person or class of person specified by the Lord Chancellor for
the purposes of this section by regulations made by statutory instrument.
(6) The Lord Chancellor must obtain the consent of the Lord Chief Justice before making
regulations under this section.
(7) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to
annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
Textual Amendments
20 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
20F Offence of disclosing jury's deliberations: further exceptions

(1) It is not an offence under section 20D for a person to disclose information to a person
listed in subsection (2) if—
(a) the disclosure is made after the jury in the proceedings mentioned in
section 20D(1) has been discharged, and
(b) the person making the disclosure reasonably believes that—
(i) an offence or contempt of court has been, or may have been,
committed by or in relation to a juror in connection with those
proceedings, or
(ii) conduct of a juror in connection with those proceedings may provide
grounds for an appeal against conviction or sentence.
(2) Those persons are—
(a) a member of a police force;
(b) a judge of the Court of Appeal;
(c) the registrar of criminal appeals;
(d) a judge of the court where the proceedings mentioned in section 20D(1) took
place;
(e) a member of staff of that court who would reasonably be expected to disclose
the information only to a person mentioned in paragraphs (b) to (d).
(3) It is not an offence under section 20D for a member of a police force to disclose
information for the purposes of obtaining assistance in deciding whether to submit
the information to a judge of the Court of Appeal or the registrar of criminal appeals,
provided that the disclosure does not involve publishing the information.
(4) It is not an offence under section 20D for a judge of the Court of Appeal or the registrar
of criminal appeals to disclose information for the purposes of an investigation by a
relevant investigator into—
(a) whether an offence or contempt of court has been committed by or in relation
to a juror in connection with the proceedings mentioned in section 20D(1), or
(b) whether conduct of a juror in connection with those proceedings may provide
grounds for an appeal against conviction or sentence.
(5) It is not an offence under section 20D for a judge of the Court of Appeal or the registrar
of criminal appeals to disclose information for the purposes of enabling or assisting—
(a) a person who was the defendant in the proceedings mentioned in
section 20D(1), or
(b) a legal representative of such a person,
to consider whether conduct of a juror in connection with those proceedings may
provide grounds for an appeal against conviction or sentence.
(6) It is not an offence under section 20D for a person who reasonably believes that a
disclosure described in subsection (4) or (5) has been made to disclose information
for the purposes of the investigation or consideration in question.
(7) It is not an offence under section 20D for a person to disclose information in evidence
in—
(a) proceedings for an offence or contempt of court alleged to have been
committed by or in relation to a juror in connection with the proceedings
mentioned in section 20D(1),
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 21
(b) proceedings on an appeal, or an application for leave to appeal, against a

decision in the proceedings mentioned in section 20D(1) where an allegation
relating to conduct of or in relation to a juror forms part of the grounds of
appeal, or
(c) proceedings on any further appeal or reference arising out of proceedings
mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b).
(8) It is not an offence under section 20D for a person to disclose information in the course
of taking reasonable steps to prepare for proceedings described in subsection (7)(a)
to (c).
(9) It is not an offence under section 20D to publish information disclosed as described
in subsection (7).
(10) In this section—
“publish” means make available to the public or a section of the public;
“relevant investigator” means—
(a) a police force;
(b) the Attorney General;
(c) the Criminal Cases Review Commission;
(d) the Crown Prosecution Service;
(e) any other person or class of person specified by the Lord Chancellor for
the purposes of this section by regulations made by statutory instrument.
(11) The Lord Chancellor must obtain the consent of the Lord Chief Justice before making
regulations under this section.
(12) A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section is subject to
annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
Textual Amendments
20G Offence of disclosing jury's deliberations: exceptions for soliciting disclosures or

obtaining information
(1) It is not an offence under section 20D to solicit a disclosure described in section 20E(1)
to (4) or section 20F(1) to (9).
(2) It is not an offence under section 20D to obtain information—
(a) by means of a disclosure described in section 20E(1) to (4) or section 20F(1)
to (9), or
(b) from a document that is available to the public or a section of the public.]
Textual Amendments
22 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
21 Supplemental.
(1) The Lord Chancellor may by order make such amendments or repeals of any provision
of any local Act as appear to him necessary or expedient in consequence of the new
provisions.
(2) The Lord Chancellor may by order make such provision as appears to him necessary
or expedient for the transition to the new provisions from the former enactments and
rules of law which those provisions replace and may in particular by such an order
provide for transitory modifications or adaptations of the new provisions, or of the
former law which the new provisions replace.
(3) The power to make orders under this section shall be exercisable by statutory
instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of
Parliament and shall include power to vary or revoke any order previously made in
the exercise of the power.
(4) A writ or order of venire de novo shall be in such form as the court issuing it considers
appropriate.
(5) Subject to the provisions of this Act, all enactments and rules of law relating to trials
by jury, juries and jurors shall continue in force and, in criminal cases, continue to
apply to proceedings in the Crown Court as they applied to proceedings before a court
of oyer and terminer or gaol delivery.
(6) In subsections (1) and (2) above references to the new provisions are references to
those provisions of this Act which re-enact the provisions of the Courts Act M91971
about trial by jury, juries and jurors and the provisions of section 25 of the Criminal
Justice Act M101972; and the reference in subsection (2) above to the former enactments
and rules of law which the new provisions replace (and to the former law which those
provisions replace) is a reference to the enactments and rules of law replaced by the
said provisions of the Courts Act M111971 and the provisions of the said section 25.
Marginal Citations
M9 1971 c. 23.
M10 1972 c. 71.
M11 1971 c. 23.
22 Consequential amendments, savings and repeals.

[F69(A1) Nothing in section 20A, 20B or 20C affects what constitutes contempt of court at
common law.]
(1) The M12 Coroners Act 1887 shall have effect subject to the amendments set out in
Schedule 2 to this Act (being amendments consequential on certain of the repeals
made by this Act).
(2) Any enactment, instrument or document referring to any enactment repealed by this
Act shall, so far as may be necessary for preserving its effect, be construed as referring,
or as including a reference, to the corresponding provision of this Act.
(3) Any instrument or document made, served or given and any other things done under
any enactment repealed by this Act shall have effect as if made, served, given or done
under the corresponding provision of this Act.
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 23
(4) The enactments mentioned in Schedule 3 to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent
specified in the third column of that Schedule.
(5) Nothing in subsections (2) and (3) above shall be construed as affecting the operation
of [F70sections 16(1) and 17(2)(a) of the Interpretation Act M131978]
Textual Amendments
F69 S. 22(A1) inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 77(2), 95(1); S.I.
2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 62
F70 Words substituted by virtue of Interpretation Act 1978 (c. 30), s. 25(2)

C9 The text of s. 22(1)(4) and Sch. 3 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not
reproduced in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been
made prior to 1.2.1991
Marginal Citations
M12 1887 c. 71.
M13 1978 c. 30.
23 Short title, interpretation, commencement and extent.

(1) This Act may be cited as the Juries Act 1974.
(2) In this Act—
“court”, except where the context otherwise requires, means the Crown
Court, the High Court, or [F71the county] court;
“the appropriate officer” means such officer as may be designated for
the purpose in question in accordance with arrangements made by the Lord
Chancellor.
[F72“regular forces” has the same meaning as in the Armed Forces Act 2006
(see section 374 of that Act).]
(3) This Act shall come into force at the expiration of the period of one month beginning
with the date on which it is passed.
(4) This Act extends to England and Wales only.
Textual Amendments
arts. 3-11)
F72 Words in s. 23(2) inserted (30.6.2018) by Armed Forces (Flexible Working) Act 2018 (c. 2), ss. 2(4),
3(3); S.I. 2018/799, reg. 2
24 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
SCHEDULE 1 – Persons Disqualified for Jury Service
SCHEDULES
[F73SCHEDULE 1
[F74PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FOR JURY SERVICE]
Textual Amendments
F73 Sch. 1 substituted (5.4.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 321, 336, Sch. 33 para. 15; S.I.
2004/829, art. 2(1)(2)(g)
F74 Sch. 1 title substituted (15.7.2013) by Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 (c. 8), ss. 2(2), 4(2);
S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
PART 1
[F75PERSONS SUBJECT TO MENTAL HEALTH ACT 1983 OR MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2005]
Textual Amendments
F75 Sch. 1 Pt. 1 title substituted (15.7.2013) by Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 (c. 8), ss. 2(2),
4(2); S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
1 [F76A person for the time being liable to be detained under the Mental Health Act
1983.
Textual Amendments
F76 Sch. 1 paras. 1, 1A substituted for Sch. 1 para. 1 (15.7.2013) by Mental Health (Discrimination) Act
2013 (c. 8), ss. 2(2), 4(2); S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
1A A person for the time being resident in a hospital on account of mental disorder as
defined by the Mental Health Act 1983.]
Textual Amendments
F76 Sch. 1 paras. 1, 1A substituted for Sch. 1 para. 1 (15.7.2013) by Mental Health (Discrimination) Act
2013 (c. 8), ss. 2(2), 4(2); S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
2 A person for the time being under guardianship under section 7 of the Mental Health
Act 1983 [F77or subject to a community treatment order under section 17A of that
Act].
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 25
Textual Amendments
F77 Words in Sch. 1 para. 2 inserted (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 32, 56, Sch. 4 para.
4; S.I. 2008/1900, art. 2(i) (with art. 3)
3 [F78A person who lacks capacity, within the meaning of the Mental Capacity Act
2005, to serve as a juror.]
Textual Amendments
F78 Sch. 1 para. 3 substituted (1.10.2007) by Mental Capacity Act 2005 (c. 9), ss. 67(1), 68(1)-(3), Sch. 6
para. 20 (with ss. 27-29, 62); S.I. 2007/1897, art. 2(d)
4 (1) F79. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2) F80. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textual Amendments
F79 Sch. 1 para. 4(1) repealed (3.11.2008) by Mental Health Act 2007 (c. 12), ss. 1, 55, 56, Sch. 1 para. 18(2),
Sch. 11 Pt. 1; S.I. 2008/1900, art. 2(a)(p) (with art. 3)
F80 Sch. 1 para. 4(2) repealed (31.3.2005) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), ss.
58(2), 60, Sch. 11; S.I. 2005/579, art. 3(i)(iv)
PART 2
[F81OTHER PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FOR JURY SERVICE]
Textual Amendments
F81 Sch. 1 Pt. 2 title substituted (15.7.2013) by Mental Health (Discrimination) Act 2013 (c. 8), ss. 2(2),
4(2); S.I. 2013/1694, art. 2
5 A person who is on bail in criminal proceedings (within the meaning of the Bail
Act 1976).
6 A person who has at any time been sentenced in the United Kingdom, the Channel
Islands or the Isle of Man—
(a) to imprisonment for life, detention for life or custody for life,
(b) to detention during her Majesty’s pleasure or during the pleasure of the
Secretary of State,
(c) to imprisonment for public protection or detention for public protection,
(d) to an extended sentence under section [F82226A, 226B,] 227 or 228 of the
Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F83(including such a sentence imposed as a result
of section 219A, 220, 221A or 222 of the Armed Forces Act 2006)] or
section 210A of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995, or
(e) to a term of imprisonment of five years or more or a term of detention of
five years or more.
26 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
Textual Amendments
F82 Words in Sch. 1 para. 6(d) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders
Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 21 para. 1; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(s)
F83 Words in Sch. 1 para. 6(d) inserted (3.12.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders
Act 2012 (c. 10), s. 151(1), Sch. 22 para. 11; S.I. 2012/2906, art. 2(t)
[F846A A person who at any time in the last ten years has been convicted of—
(a) an offence under section 20A, 20B, 20C or 20D of this Act,
(b) an offence under paragraph 5A, 5B, 5C or 5D of Schedule 6 to the Coroners
and Justice Act 2009 (equivalent offences relating to jurors at inquests), or
(c) an offence under paragraph 2, 3, 4 or 5 of Schedule 2A to the Armed Forces
Act 2006 (equivalent offences relating to members of the Court Martial).]
Textual Amendments
F84 Sch. 1 para. 6A inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), ss. 77(1), 95(1);
S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 62
7 A person who at any time in the last ten years has—

(a) in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man—
(i) served any part of a sentence of imprisonment or a sentence of
detention, or
(ii) had passed on him a suspended sentence of imprisonment or had
made in respect of him a suspended order for detention,
(b) in England and Wales, had made in respect of him a community order under
section 177 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, a community rehabilitation
order, a community punishment order, a community punishment and
rehabilitation order, a drug treatment and testing order or a drug abstinence
order, or
(c) had made in respect of him any corresponding order under the law of
Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
[F85or a service community order or overseas community order under the
Armed Forces Act 2006].
Textual Amendments
F85 Words in Sch. 1 para. 7(c) inserted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed
Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 62(a); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional
provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4
8 For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule—

(a) a sentence passed [F86(anywhere) in respect of a service offence within the
meaning of the Armed Forces Act 2006] is to be treated as having been
passed in the United Kingdom, and
(b) a person is sentenced to a term of detention if, but only if—
(i) a court passes on him, or makes in respect of him on conviction,
any sentence or order which requires him to be detained in custody
for any period, and
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 27
SCHEDULE 2
(ii) the sentence or order is available only in respect of offenders below

a certain age,
and any reference to serving a sentence of detention is to be construed
accordingly.]
Textual Amendments
F86 Words in Sch. 1 para. 8(a) substituted (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by
Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383, Sch. 16 para. 62(b); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional
provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

C10 Sch. 1 para. 8(a) modified (24.4.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by The Armed
Forces Act 2006 (Transitional Provisions etc) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1059), arts. 1(3), 205, Sch. 1 para.
13
SCHEDULE 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F87
Textual Amendments
F87 Sch. 2 repealed by Coroners Act 1988 (c. 13, SIF 33), ss. 33, 36(2), Sch. 4
Textual Amendments
F87 Sch. 2 repealed by Coroners Act 1988 (c. 13, SIF 33), ss. 33, 36(2), Sch. 4
SCHEDULE 3 Section 22(4)
REPEALS

C11 The text of s. 22(1)(4) and Sch. 3 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced
in Statutes in Force and does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior
to 1.2.1991.
28 Juries Act 1974 (c. 23)
SCHEDULE 3 – Repeals
Juries Act 1974 (c. 23) 29
Changes to legislation:
Juries Act 1974 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 19 October 2019.
There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made
appear in the content and are referenced with annotations.
View outstanding changes
Changes and effects yet to be applied to :

– s. 22(1) repealed by 2009 c. 25 Sch. 23 Pt. 1

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Changes to legislation: Juries Act 1974 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 19 October

Juries Act 1974

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

[F11 Qualification for jury service

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

3 Electoral register as basis of jury selection.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

4 Withdrawal or alteration of summonses.

6 Summoning in exceptional circumstances.

7 Attendance and service.

8 Excusal for previous jury service.

9 Excusal for certain persons and discretionary excusal.

[F279A Discretionary deferral.

[F379AA Requirement to issue guidance

[F409B Discharge of summonses to disabled persons only if incapable of acting

10 Discharge of summonses in case of doubt as to capacity to act effectively as a

11 The ballot and swearing of jurors.

[F5215A Surrender of electronic communications devices

16 Continuation of criminal trial on death or discharge of juror.

18 Judgments: stay or reversal.

19 Payment for jury service.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

20 [F61Offences: failure to attend, serving while disqualified etc]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

[F6520A Offence: research by jurors

[F6620B Offence: sharing research with other jurors

[F6720C Offence: jurors engaging in other prohibited conduct

[F6820D Offence: disclosing jury's deliberations

20E Offence of disclosing jury's deliberations: initial exceptions

20F Offence of disclosing jury's deliberations: further exceptions

(b) proceedings on an appeal, or an application for leave to appeal, against a

20G Offence of disclosing jury's deliberations: exceptions for soliciting disclosures or

22 Consequential amendments, savings and repeals.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

23 Short title, interpretation, commencement and extent.

[F74PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FOR JURY SERVICE]

[F81OTHER PERSONS DISQUALIFIED FOR JURY SERVICE]

7 A person who at any time in the last ten years has—

8 For the purposes of this Part of this Schedule—

(ii) the sentence or order is available only in respect of offenders below

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

SCHEDULE 3 Section 22(4)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Changes and effects yet to be applied to :

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