Jury dodgers go unpunished amid culture of avoidance
Fewer than one in five people called up for jury services showed up at court in 2019-20. Fewer than one in five New Zealanders called up for jury service report for duty. Why are so many Kiwis avoiding an important civic responsibility? Jimmy Ellingham reports. The lawyers and the judge are in position, wearing their trial robes. In the dock sits the defendant – in this case a man on trial for raping and sexually violating two women – flanked by security. Court staff usher in several dozen people ready to hear the case. The 12 chosen for the jury will decide whether the man on trial i...
Source: stuff.co.nz