Jury Duty FAQ

The following are questions that I had prior to my jury duty. In the end, I was only there for two hours and didn't even get considered for a jury.

I was summoned to the Dowling Centre in Sydney, NSW on what appeared to be a quiet-ish day. YMMV. Also, the sheriff help line is good, if a little slow to pick up the phone.

How many people show up?
Each panel has 100 people, of which only about 60 showed up. Of that 60, about 35 applied for exclusion (about 5-10 of those were like me, who were unable to do a longer trial). On the day I was there, they were empaneling for 2 trials and there were 2 panels of jurors. So we're looking at 50-60 odd people, of which only 24 will be needed.

If I don't get selected on jury, for how long do I have to keep going in?
It may have been due to lack of trials or something else, but there didn't appear to be any jurors from previous days, and after I was discharged I was told I was off the roll for a year.

What should I wear?
Neat and clean jeans seem to be ok. T-shirts were borderline. Polo shirts ok.

Can I take a laptop?
Yes, and you might get some time to use it until you're empaneled. You can use it in the waiting room, but not when you in a trial. Similar deal with mobiles, though you're probably more likely to be allowed to use them during breaks.

What TV channel is on in the waiting room?
Channel 9 and it's wonderful, amazing Kerrie-Anne show, replete with blatant advitorial.

Why should I watch the instructional video?
Because it's fucking hilarious.