1. You find out if you are on a jury

Court staff should keep you updated about when you're likely to be needed in court - and give advice about using mobile phones while waiting.

You stay in the jury waiting area until a court official calls your name. Normally 15 jurors in total are called and taken into the court. The court clerk randomly selects 12 names of the people that are to form the jury.

If you're not selected, you may:

• be chosen for another jury on the same day

• have to come back the next day to be selected for another jury

2. The jury is 'sworn in'

If you're chosen, you must take the oath or make an affirmation - a promise to listen to the case carefully to give a fair verdict. The court will explain how to do it.

A verdict is whether someone is guilty or not guilty of committing a crime.

3. The trial begins

Evidence is 'presented' and witnesses from both the prosecution and the defence are questioned.

The prosecution acts on behalf of the victim(s) of the crime.

The defence acts on behalf of the person on trial for committing the crime - the ‘defendant’.

You can take notes during the trial but they cannot be taken home.

4. The spokesperson (foreman) of the jury is chosen

One person on the jury volunteers (or is chosen by the jury members) to be the foreman or forewoman. They speak on behalf of the jury.

5. The verdict is given to the court

Once all the evidence has been presented, you leave the court with the other jurors to discuss the evidence. This is done privately in a room called the ‘deliberation room’.

The jury comes back into the courtroom and the spokesperson is asked to ‘deliver’ the verdict. This means they tell the court what decision the jury has reached.

Sometimes, the members of the jury cannot all agree whether the person is guilty or not guilty. If this happens, the judge explains what happens next.

It’s possible that no decision is reached. If this happens, there’s usually a new trial with a new jury.

If the jury’s verdict is not guilty, the defendant is freed and the case ends.

If the jury’s verdict is guilty, the judge decides on the sentence.

Your responsibilities as a juror

Jurors must not discuss the trial on websites like Facebook or Twitter

Once the trial begins, you must not discuss the case with anyone, except the other jury members in the jury deliberation room.

Even when the trial’s over you must not discuss what went on in the deliberation room with anyone, even with family members.

If you do, you are in 'contempt of court' and can be fined.

Social media websites

You must not discuss or post comments about any trial on social media websites like Facebook or Twitter - even after the trial has finished. This is contempt of court.

If anyone approaches you about the trial

If anyone approaches you about the trial you must tell a court official or a police officer (if it happens outside court).

If you find the trial distressing

You may hear (or see) evidence which upsets you and want to speak to someone about your feelings during or after jury service. If this happens, speak to court staff who can give you advice.

You could also talk to someone in confidence about your feelings (but not the details of the trial itself). Apart from people such as family and friends, you may find it helpful to talk to the Samaritans.

The Samaritans is a charity experienced in giving confidential emotional support to people - including jurors who are distressed following a court trial.

Contacting the court after jury service

You can contact the court where you carried out your jury service. This could be to:

• ask about your claim for allowances

• give feedback, or complain about your experience as a juror

Time off for jury service

Trial by jury is a key part of our legal system and our democratic way of life. Jury service is an important responsibility for all citizens. Find out about your right to time off work for jury service.

Does your employer have to give you time off for jury service?

If you are called up for jury service your employer must allow you time off for this. If they don't, they could be in contempt of court. If you are an employee you have the right not to be treated unfairly (for example, not being considered for promotion) because of your call-up.

Payment

Your employer does not have to pay you whilst you are on jury service. But you can claim for travel and food expenses and for loss of earnings from the court.

You need to get your employer to fill out a Certificate of Loss of Earnings to claim for loss of earnings. There are limits on the amount that you can claim.

You can read more about allowances for jury service on the Her Majesty's Courts Service website.

Deferring or not attending jury service

You can ask for your jury service to be deferred. You can only do this once and for no more than 12 months from the original date.

If you want to be excluded from jury service altogether you need to write to the Jury Central Summoning Bureau setting out your reasons why. However, unless you have already served as a juror within the previous two years, your call-up is likely to be deferred.

How long does jury service last?

Jury service usually lasts for 10 days, but some trials take longer. Jurors are usually warned in advance if a trial is expected to last a long time.

Unfair dismissal

If you are sacked because you have been called up for or done jury service you can claim unfair dismissal. However, if your employer told you your absence would have a serious effect on their business and you didn't ask for your call-up to be deferred or to be excused, the dismissal is likely to be fair.

What to do next

If you have been called up for jury service you should:

• let your employer know how long you'll need off and what arrangements need to be made for cover in your absence

• hand over a copy of the Confirmation of Jury Service letter you receive from the court to your employer

If your employer mistreats you for taking jury service you should first of all follow the grievance procedure outlined in your contract.

You can find out more about what to expect from jury service in the Crime and Justice section of Directgov. Follow the link below for more information and to watch an online video.