The Impact of Jury Service on Scottish Jurors’ Health and Well-Being

Abstract

Research by Robertson, Davies and Nettleingham (2009) suggested a minority of jurors in English and Welsh courts experience significant short- and longer-term distress from undertaking jury service. This study extended the research to jurors in Scottish trials, with their distinct conventions and procedures. Jurors completed web-based questionnaires measuring juror distress, trauma symptoms, and personal resilience. Results replicated those from England and Wales, showing that some Scottish jurors also experience deterioration in physical and psychological well-being, with female jurors, those sitting in longer trials, and dealing with crimes against the person, being most affected. Trait resilience did not mitigate such effects.