Older people to sit on juries

Justice minister Damian Green has announced plans to raise the upper age limit from 70 “in a bid to make the criminal justice system more inclusive and reflective of modern society”.

In England and Wales 178,000 people between the ages of 18 and 70 undertake jury service per year.

“Our society is changing and it is vital that the criminal justice system moves with the times,” Mr Green said.

“The law as it currently stands does not take into account the increases to life expectancy that have taken place over the past 25 years.”

The age range was last amended by the Criminal Justice Act 1988, which raised the upper limit from 65 to 70. If the latest proposed changes are to come into effect then a new law will be required, possibly brought forward by early next year.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK, has welcomed the plans to include older people on juries.

“Judging someone on the basis of their date of birth alone risks overlooking a person's unique skills and knowledge,” she said.

“While it's true that increasing longevity brings its challenges, there is also extraordinary human capital within our older population - older people are working, volunteering and contributing a huge amount to communities and the wider marketplace.'

The Ministry of Justice said older people’s “knowledge and life experiences” will enhance the work of juries.

People who are summoned for jury duty are expected to attend without fail, although the original Juries Act 1974 still allows people to be excused if they can show a good reason why they should be.