Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Gareth Bacon and Sarah Dyke

Tuesday 14th May 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sarah Dyke (Somerton and Frome) (LD)]

14. If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of support available to jurors who have been adversely affected by sitting on a jury.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Gareth Bacon)]

Juries are a vital part of our criminal justice system, and jury service is an important civic duty. We want to do everything we can to help jurors feel supported as they undertake that important role, which is why the Government have announced our intention to test counselling sessions for jurors who suffer mental and emotional strain following a trial. That pilot will commence in 15 courts this summer.

[Sarah Dyke]

Currently, jurors dealing with extremely violent crimes, witnessing ever-increasingly sophisticated and graphic material, often feel that they do not have sufficient aftercare to deal with their experiences. They are advised to seek counselling only with their GP or the Samaritans. What discussions has the Minister had on increasing the amount of post-trial support for jurors when they have faced potentially traumatic levels of stress as a result of their experience?