Births, deaths and ceremonies Jury inquests

Introduction

At most inquests, there is no jury: the coroner makes all the decisions. However, at a small number of inquests, a jury is needed. The coroner will call a jury if a person dies in custody when the death is not clearly due to natural causes, or if their death was linked to their own or someone else's actions while at work, or to certain health and safety issues. The coroner may also decide to use a jury because they think it would be helpful or in the public interest.

We call members of the public to serve on the jury in the same way as other courts. They are chosen at random from the electoral register. The jurors listen to the evidence and decide on the findings of fact and the conclusion of the inquest (commonly known as the verdict).

Jury service is an important civic duty. It can be challenging at times, however, many of our jurors also find it very satisfying and meaningful to take an active part in the justice system. We are grateful to our jurors for the vital role they play and give them all possible support.

What is jury service for an inquest?

When you serve on an inquest jury, you sit in the Coroner’s Court with other jurors and listen to facts about a person’s death.

Who can be a juror?

To serve on a jury, you must:

• Be aged between 18 and 75 years old
  
• Be on the electoral register
  
• Have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for a period of at least five years since you were 13 years old
  

What if I'm asked to do jury service?

You can find out all about what to do if you're asked to serve on an inquest jury on GOV.UK.

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