If you’re empanelled to serve on a jury, you must attend court every day until the jury reaches a verdict and the judge discharges the jury.
Trials in the Supreme or District Court typically last 3–5 days but can take longer, depending on the case.
You may serve on a jury in either court, and you may serve on more than one jury during your jury service period.
Before and at the start of the trial
1. Judge’s instructions
Before the trial begins, the judge explains your role as a juror and how you should conduct yourself during the trial.
2. Introduction of parties
The Crown prosecutor states the defendant’s name and the Crown witnesses who may be called during the trial.
3. Conflict of interest check
You must tell the judge if you recognise any person who has been named or an associate of any person mentioned.
4. Electing a jury speaker
The judge may direct the jury to elect a jury speaker. Generally, however, the jury should elect their speaker at the first opportunity—usually during the trial’s first break.
Jury speaker
The jury speaker:
- manages the jury, ensuring each juror’s opinions are shared and discussed when deciding on a verdict
- keeps deliberations focused on the evidence and the law
- tells the judge if the jury wants a break
- tells the judge when a verdict has been reached
- speaks for the jury in court.
Jury box and jury room
In the jury box
As a juror, you sit in the jury box and listen to the arguments presented by the prosecution and defence lawyers, and the evidence offered to support their case.
You must follow any directions given by the judge.
In the jury room
After the evidence has been presented and the judge has summed up the case, the judge asks the jury to retire to the jury room to consider the evidence and come to a verdict.
If a juror has a question
If you have a question about the trial, including procedure:
- write your question on a piece of paper
- ask the bailiff to hand it to the judge.
The bailiff is available to assist with any day-to-day essentials (e.g. tea and coffee) but cannot answer questions about the trial.
Going home or staying overnight
Jurors usually go home each evening during a trial.
However, when the jury is considering their verdict, the judge may decide to keep them together until they’ve reached a decision.
If you need to stay overnight
If you need to stay overnight, the court will pay for hotel accommodation, meals and transport.
The day before, the bailiff will tell you to bring a change of clothes to court.
Taking breaks
Scheduled breaks
During court proceedings, regular breaks are scheduled throughout the day.
Unscheduled breaks
If you need an unscheduled break:
- Catch the bailiff’s attention
- The bailiff will inform the judge that you wish to speak to them
- Tell the judge you need a break and explain why.
Toilets
Most jury rooms have male and female toilets.
Talking or inquiring about a trial
Until the trial ends, you’re prohibited from:
- discussing the trial with anyone outside the jury, including family, friends, or other jurors outside of formal deliberations
- reading or viewing any media coverage, social media posts, or other materials related to the trial
- conducting your own research about the case, the defendant, the witnesses, or the law (this offence attracts a penalty of up to two years imprisonment).
These rules ensure jurors remain impartial and base their decisions solely on the evidence presented in court and the judge’s instructions.
If someone asks you about the trial
If you’re asked by someone to discuss or reveal any information about your jury service or a trial in any way that concerns you, contact the deputy sheriff immediately.
Being removed from a jury
The judge can discharge you as a juror if:
- they decide you’re not impartial, not acting properly, or not fulfilling your role as a juror
- you’re sick and unable to attend court.
If you’re discharged, a reserve juror may replace you.
After the trial
Most jurors leave court feeling a sense of achievement. However, some jurors may see or hear things during a trial that cause them distress.
These feelings usually pass in a few days. If they persist, please seek help.
Jury support program
Queensland Courts offers a jury support program that provides jurors with counselling and psychological support after a trial.
For more information, contact your local Supreme or District Court.
