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Post by MartinT on Jun 17, 2014 9:17:12 GMT
Obviously have to be careful what I say here, but I'm on jury service these two weeks at Winchester Crown Court. It's apparently on the same level as the Old Bailey and features some very high profile cases.
Despite dire warnings, the facilities here are very nice with a large well furnished waiting area, TVs and reading material, a snack shop and drinks machines. There is also BT wi-fi (which is how I'm posting this) so I can keep busy all day until I'm called to trial, which will be shortly. Life could be worse, and it's a duty I'm looking forward to gaining some more insight into. |
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Marco
Rank: Trio
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Post by Marco on Jun 17, 2014 9:54:24 GMT
Interesting one, Martin. That's always a good skive!  I was on jury service a few years ago, where the case involved the handling of Class A drugs. The experience was certainly enlightening, particularly the failed attempts of the police to 'fit up' the accused, who undoubtedly had previous convictions in that area, but on that occasion was almost certainly innocent. I don't know what the particular case you're invloved in is, but my advice would be to be very aware of the above (in that often the police simply want a conviction at all costs) and to consider *very* carefully the notion of 'innocent until PROVED guilty' - and in that respect I mean 'proved' beyond any reasonable doubt... Marco. |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 17, 2014 12:31:52 GMT
Court #1 is impressive  |
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Marco
Rank: Trio
Banned
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Post by Marco on Jun 17, 2014 13:06:24 GMT
Ask the judge if you can try on his wig!  Marco. |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 17, 2014 14:18:36 GMT
It's a her!
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Marco
Rank: Trio
Banned
Posts: 242
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Post by Marco on Jun 17, 2014 18:40:02 GMT
Lol - I could say something else then, but I won't!  What are the other jurors like? Are they on the same wavelength as you? Marco. |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 17, 2014 18:43:17 GMT
No idea yet, and can't talk about it as it's day one of at least a three day trial. Fascinating procedures, though, and most interesting to see the law at work.
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Post by John on Jun 17, 2014 18:50:55 GMT
I enjoyed my service when at the Old Baily It was a simple murder case
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Post by John on Jun 17, 2014 18:51:12 GMT
I enjoyed my service when at the Old Baily It was a simple murder case
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Post by MartinT on Jun 19, 2014 7:51:45 GMT
I'm the first juror to arrive and security aren't even here yet. I NEED MY COFFEE! These legal people don't know what an early start is!
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Post by ChrisB on Jun 19, 2014 7:54:11 GMT
I remember the catering being excellent when I did my service - however, we were locked up, just like the jokers in the dock though!
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Post by MartinT on Jun 19, 2014 8:19:45 GMT
Yes, I have no problem with the catering. Today we really will be locked up so I have to buy lunch and put it in the box for our court.
As I was coming in, I saw the prisoner lorry arriving. Rather be locked up on my side of the law, for sure!
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Post by MikeMusic on Jun 19, 2014 8:34:56 GMT
I'm the first juror to arrive and security aren't even here yet. I NEED MY COFFEE! These legal people don't know what an early start is! I've tried some 'real' coffee recently and I'm not sure I like it that much Black too strong, soya milk mixed in better Big mug of tea twice a day is essential |
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Post by MartinT on Jun 19, 2014 8:42:10 GMT
Black (the wonderfully named 'Americano') is mandatory!
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Post by MikeMusic on Jun 19, 2014 8:59:10 GMT
I may have had that. I'll ask the boss
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Post by MartinT on Jun 20, 2014 15:27:43 GMT
Well, I can tell you that a 4-day trial for sexual assault and us deliberating for such a long time in a small jury room (= prison cell) is seriously NOT FUN.
Skive? I'd rather go to work, thank you very much.
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Post by John on Jun 20, 2014 15:49:13 GMT
I was lucky our deliberating only took about 4 to 6 hours
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Post by MartinT on Jun 22, 2014 21:08:42 GMT
I have to report tomorrow for another week. After last week, I'm just hoping not to get selected.
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Post by ChrisB on Jun 22, 2014 21:48:03 GMT
Good luck with it Martin.
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Post by MikeMusic on Jun 23, 2014 8:59:46 GMT
I've heard you are likely to get off if you have 'served' - course if you did a good job they may have tagged you  |
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