Unmet Needs? Juror Perspectives on Support Following Jury Service in England and Wales

Jury service is a vital civic duty in various countries, including England and Wales. Although it can be a rewarding experience, research has indicated that various aspects of jury service can be distressing for some jurors. However, juror perceptions of support needs in relation to their service remain largely unexplored. This study investigated the extent to which experienced jurors in England and Wales accessed formal (general practitioner [GP] or family doctor, mental health professional) and informal support (family and friends) in relation to their jury service, their perceptions of the adequacy of such support, and their views on proposed reforms aimed at improving juror support. A total of 483 individuals who previously completed jury duty service completed an online survey assessing their experiences and support-seeking behaviours relating to this service, and attitudes towards various support mechanisms and potential legal reforms. Descriptive analyses revealed that most participants did not access formal or informal support during or after their service, despite many reporting emotional difficulties. Inferential analyses showed strong support for the provision of wellbeing services, particularly post-trial, with significant differences in preferences for support across different stages of a trial. Participants expressed the greatest support for reforms involving post-trial debriefs and access to in-court trained mental health professionals, while judge-only trials and AI-based support were less favourably received. The findings highlight a disconnect between juror needs and current support infrastructure in England and Wales. There is a need for tailored and accessible wellbeing services to enhance juror welfare.