Press release
Law change opens door to deaf jurors
Deaf people requiring the use of a sign language interpreter will be allowed to take part in jury service for the first time, Ministers announced today (9 March 2021).
From:
Ministry of Justice, HM Courts & Tribunals Service, Justin Tomlinson MP, and The Rt Hon Robert Buckland QC MP
Published
9 March 2021
- opens jury service to over 80,000 profoundly deaf people
- move permits British Sign Language interpreters to enter jury rooms
- part of sweeping reforms to the justice system announced today
Current laws strictly prohibit anyone beyond the 12 sworn jurors from entering jury deliberation rooms. This is to safeguard against outside influence. However, it means that an interpreter would be deemed an unlawful ‘13th person’, thus preventing those who require their assistance from participating in this important civic duty.
Ministers are determined to ensure the justice system is accessible to everyone and will therefore legislate to remove this barrier to allow British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters inside jury rooms.
The move will mean over 80,000 deaf people across England and Wales can now participate in jury service. It forms part of wider [...]