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Selection

Supreme and District Court - Information for jurors

If you are enrolled on the electoral roll in Queensland, and reside in a jury district, you are able to serve as a juror.

The sheriff’s office prepares lists of prospective jurors from the electoral roll for each of the 32 jury districts throughout Queensland. Sufficient numbers are selected to cover each court sitting or jury service period.

A computer is programmed to make a random selection of jurors from the electoral roll. If you are selected you will receive:

A Notice to prospective juror and Questionnaire

Common questions

Can I be excluded from jury service?

You may be excluded from jury service if you are ineligible or you have applied for and been granted an excusal from serving for a particular period.

You are ineligible if you are:

the Governor
a member of Parliament
a local government mayor or other councillor
person who is or has been a judge or magistrate (in Queensland or elsewhere)
a person who is or has been a presiding memeber of the Land and Resources Tribunal
a lawyer engaged in legal work
a person who is or has been a police officer (in Queensland or elsewhere)
a detention centre employee
a corrective services officer
a person who is 70 years or more, if the person has not elected to be eligible for jury service
a person who is not able to read or write the English language
a person who has a physical or mental disability that makes the person incapable of effectively performing the functions or a juror
a person who has been convicted of an indictable offence, whether on indictment or in a summary proceeding
a person who has been sentenced (in Queensland or elsewhere) to imprisonment

What are jury districts?

Jury districts are established to ensure prospective jurors are within travelling distance of the nearest Supreme or District Court. The area covered by a jury district will vary depending on the size of the city or town.

Jury districts generally consist of an area within a 20km radius of the courthouse, except in larger cities.

If you receive a notice and you are unsure whether you are within the jury district, contact your local courthouse.

Am I too old to serve as a juror?

If you are 70 years of age or more you are deemed to be ineligible for jury service unless you send a signed notice to the sheriff stating that you are prepared to serve on a jury. The notice should include your full name, age and address.

What if I have a disability?

If you have a mental or physical disability such as a hearing or sight impairment, you may be incapable of performing the duties of a juror.

If you fall into any of these categories, you (or a helper/carer) should complete the appropriate section on the questionnaire. You should return it, with a medical certificate from your medical practitioner, in the envelope provided.

If you wish to be permanently made ineligible for jury service, your medical practitioner must state that your medical condition means that you will never be able to serve as a juror.

What if I cannot understand or speak English?

You should apply to be excused from jury service if you cannot easily understand spoken or written English.

It is essential that all jurors can understand everything that happens in court and can read and comprehend any documents that are relevant to the case.

If you fall into this category you (or a helper/family member) should complete the appropriate section on the questionnaire and return it in the pre-addressed envelope provided.

Can my occupation make me ineligible?

People in the following occupations are ineligible for jury service including:

the governor
a member of parliament
a local government mayor or other councillor
a person who is or has been a judge or magistrate (in Queensland or elsewhere)
a person who is or has been a presiding member of the Land and Resources Tribunal
a lawyer actually engaged in legal work
a person who is or has been a police officer (in Queensland or elsewhere)
a detention centre employee
a corrective services officer

What if I have a criminal conviction?

You may be ineligible to serve on a jury if you have:

been convicted of an indictable offence before the Supreme or District Court or a summary proceeding in the Magistrates Court
been sentenced (in Queensland or elsewhere) to imprisonment.

Who can I contact to check my eligibility to serve?

If you are unsure if you fall into any of the ineligibility categories or have a question about jury service, contact the jury enquires line on (07) 3247 4761 or your local courthouse.

Last updated Tuesday, 18 December 2007 8:59