Jurors see it as unlucky deed to do the state some service

The troubled task of getting citizens to turn up for jury duty has perplexed lawmakers since the early days of the nation, writes Caroline O’Doherty

THE language may be archaic but the sentiments expressed during a 1927 Dáil debate on proposed changes to jury service arguably still hold true today.

“This duty of citizenship, serving on a jury, is very unpleasant,” said William Magennis. “Service on a jury is like much study, a weariness to the flesh.”