Ministers to consider jurors wellbeing following “graphic” trial

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Baroness Berridge calls for more support for jurors who must listen to “graphic” evidence. This follows a 10-month trial, which raised questions about why judges – but not jurors – are offered counselling.

Lucy Letby was recently convicted by Manchester Crown Court for several charges of murder between 2015 and 2016. The nature of evidence presented has started conversations about juror wellbeing.

Previously, jurors have been given limited support post-trial. Lord Bellamy, justice minister, advised jurors to speak to a GP or the Samaritans if their mental health is negatively affected by taking part in a trial, according to The Times. Other countries approach juror wellbeing differently. For example, in Canada, the Criminal Code was amended at the start of this year to provide counselling to former jurors.

In the UK, judges are offered more help because “while [they] often demonstrate a high degree of resilience, they are not invulnerable to the effects of the materials they see in the course of their professional lives”, as reported by officials at the judicial office in England and Wales. Therefore, judges can discuss the impact of cases with a counsellor in confidence.

Berridge has highlighted many reports of jurors having “adverse reactions to the evidence that they are hearing”, which is “graphic” and often involves “video footage”. In response, Bellamy noted that in 2020 it was found that 81% of jurors would be “happy to serve again” but 42% found the experience “stressful”. He’s announced that ministers are “looking at options, including providing guidance to courts, to explore what more can be done” to support jurors.