"Grey" juries could be the way of the future

Because of better technology and greater health consciousness, people in general today live far longer than those who were alive only a century ago. This trend is also affecting the justice system.

Jack Straw, the Justic Secretary, believes that a “jury of peers” that truly represents a nation should include more older citizens. Hence he is considering a move to raise the age limit (currently 70) to ensure that criminals are tried before a group of people that reflect the soceity they have allegedly wronged.

These potentially older jurors – people The Telegraph refers to as “grey jurors” – also have the potential to save many millions of pounds for the British economy. Not being bound to a workplace, older jurors can replace younger ones, and save them the time and money it costs to be away from work.

Although some have concerns regarding the quality of verdicts should this become a reality, proponents of the move believe that it has important implications in terms of inclusion. People over 70 potentially have as much to contribute to their country as younger people.

Of course it is primarily important to maintain the validity of the justice system. The point that those who advocate an increased age limit make, is simply that a person’s potentially worthy contribution to society does not become less so just because of age.

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