At most inquests, there is no jury and the coroner makes all the decisions themselves. However, at a small number of inquests, a jury is needed.
The coroner will call a jury if:
- a person dies in custody/state detention when the death is not clearly due to natural causes
- if their death was linked to their own or someone else's actions while at work
The coroner may also decide to use a jury in other cases because they feel there is sufficient reason to do so.
Jury summonsing is completely random and anyone who is on the electoral register can be selected to sit on a jury. Being called to potentially sit on this jury, does not exclude you from being called to sit on any other jury in the future.
Jury service is an important civic duty. It can be challenging at times. However, many of our jurors also find it very satisfying and meaningful to take an active part in the justice system.
We are extremely grateful to our jurors for the vital role they play.
Yes, please see our juror and witness page for further information.
Please bring photo identification on the first day. If you do not have photo ID, bring a utility bill or bank statement showing your name and address.
Please bring refreshments with you. Subsistence expenses will be reimbursed up to £4.50 a day (please retain receipts) for jurors.
You will be asked to attend the Coroner’s Court, Livingstone House, Langstone Business Village, Langstone Park, Newport NP18 2LH.
Parking for all jurors will be at The Coldra Court Hotel. This will be charged at the normal rate, which is detailed on the sign at the entrance.
Parking can be paid for at the payment machine in the hotel lobby or with the front desk team. Gwent Coroner’s Service will reimburse your daily parking charges (please retain your receipts)
A coroner's jury consists of between 7 and 11 people. More than 11 jurors will be called to allow for sickness or last-minute problems.
Therefore, some jurors will be stood down and will not need to serve on that day. We will ask for volunteers.
You will also be stood down if you have a conflict of interest with the case being heard, such as an individuals workplace (hospital or a police force that is involved) or you may know one of the witnesses.
If you are stood down, any loss of earnings or travel expenses will be paid for the day you attended
There is often some waiting around, so you may want to bring a book or something to help pass the time.