Jury service plays a central role in our justice system. It allows members of our community to play an active role in the administration of justice.
A jury is made up of NSW citizens who have been randomly chosen from the electoral rolls. They are sent a Notice of Inclusion which lets them know they are now on a jury roll and may be called for jury service. In most cases 12 people are chosen to sit on a criminal trial, however, 15 can be empanelled in trials expected to last longer than three months. Four people are selected to sit on a civil trial jury.
Criminal trials require the jury members to hear evidence, apply the law as directed by the judge and to decide if a person is guilty or not guilty of a crime. Civil trials in NSW are usually about defamation proceedings and the trial judge will outline the issues the jury needs to decide on.
The Jury Services Branch of the Sheriff's Office administers the jury system in NSW.
Information about jury service is also available in print:
Jury Service: A rewarding responsibility
Document Size: 1649 KB
Description: Jury service plays a central role in our justice system. It allows members of our community to play an active role in the administration of justice. This brochure contains information about the jury system in New South Wales and outlines what to expect when you attend court in response to your jury summons.
Welcome to Jury Service: A Guide for Jurors
Document Size: 714 KB
Description: This booklet has been written to assist people selected for jury service. It covers practical points that you may need to be aware of and is relevant to all jurors regardless of the court complex you are attending. There may, however, be slight administrative differences experienced in different court complexes.
