Being a Witness / Jury Service

If a police officer thinks you have witnessed an offence, you may be asked for your name and address. You may be asked to make a written statement but you do not have to give a statement if you do not want to. If you do provide a statement, you could be ordered by the court to give your evidence. If you go to court, you will be asked to take an oath or affirm that you will only say what you believe to be true. If you are under 14, you will not be asked to give evidence on oath. You must answer all the questions which the court allows you to be asked.

Jury Service

You can be called to serve on a jury at any time once you are over 18. You have to go unless you have a valid reason for not attending. You may be able to claim for any earnings you lose through being on a jury. You do this at court. It is classed as unfair dismissal if you are dismissed for taking time off for doing jury service, except in certain circumstances. Get advice!