this post was submitted on 03 Jul 2023
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Have to attend court for jury summons tomorrow. Can I bring my work laptop and get some hours done while waiting? I read there's a lot of waiting around but I'm not sure what's allowed while that's happening. The website only says there's airport like security, so I assume laptops and other electronics are fine, but I'm not sure if we're allowed to use them? I read comments to "bring a book" but my books are all e-books on my phone so hopefully phones are ok.
I'm pretty sure you can take your laptop. I had my phone and I was there till mid afternoon waiting to get called. There's one of those vending machine espresso machines and a snack vending machine. If that doesn't sound appealing you may want to bring a snack. There's also cups and water. It's a huge space and there will probably be a hundred or so others with you with multiple juries being selected on the same day. Any other questions just ask and I'll try my best to answer as it was only 9 months ago I did a three week jury stint.
Thank you! Yeah I’m probably gonna bring a small snack or maybe grab something on the way. Do they provide lunch while you’re waiting to get called if it goes that long?
No they don't provide lunch. At least they didn't last year. They gave us 20 mins to go get something. There's a couple of cafes close by (across street out front of Downing) so if you get hungry I'd make a beeline for one of them and grab something simple. Just be aware of the time. You don't want to be late getting back. Edit: Removed a few periods.
I've served on two juries before - before your group is called you can do whatever you want (phones, laptops etc. are all good), but know that your employer is required to pay you for at least your first ten days of jury duty (including the day you're called in; even if you don't make it onto a jury) at your regular pay. Beyond that, you'll only get the jury duty allowance which isn't great, but it's okay.
I've only served at Parramatta Local Court and at the Downing Centre before though, so rules may vary from court to court.
If I can give you one piece of advice, PLEASE serve on your jury if you're called and don't make up a bullshit excuse. Jury duty is one of the greatest civil responsibilities we can be afforded (alongside voting) and if you decline or make up an excuse, chances are some fucking idiot will take your place. My first jury was an amazing and exhilarating case, but because of one absolute idiot in our jury we had to deliberate for 2.5 days until I and another juror were able to educate them and swing their vote to guilty.
Thank you! My summons says it is expected to last 3 weeks so even if I get empaneled and it takes the full 3 weeks I’m not losing too much pay. And my employer hasn’t said anything about cutting off payment after 2 weeks, but they’re based overseas so maybe they’re not aware…
Mine is at Downing Centre tomorrow.
Thanks for the advice, appreciate it. I definitely intend to serve if called. I’m an immigrant so I see the citizenship along with duties that comes with it as a great privilege.
Dude honestly - thank you. Everyone who I know hates the concept of jury duty and seem to have no idea how honourable it is to be asked to hold another person's liberty in your hands and to determine what is legal truth. If you have a good understanding of basic legal concepts (you'll far outstrip your cohort if that's the case) then I'd suggest you put your hand up to be foreperson. I was foreperson of my first jury (at 19 years old weirdly enough) and although it was so fucking chilling to have to openly state in court our verdict, other jurors genuinely took my word and opinions without a grain of salt at all.
Good luck to you. I really hope you're selected from your group because it's an amazing experience to be granted the power that a jury holds.
Thank you! I really appreciate it. Nice to hear people who had good experiences with jury duty and encouraging others to do it. Most comments and posts I’ve seen online are against it and hate having to do it so it’s calming my nerves to see your comment. Thanks again!
It depends on the case. The last one that I served on was a child sexual abuse case and I wouldn't want to have to listen to those details again.
I’m sorry. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been. Did you receive any juror support afterwards?
I got out of it. The was no way I could be impartial.
I think this is one of those "there are two types of people in the world..." concepts. Glad to hear you're on the side of justice.