Mental Health and Jury Service:
Jury duty is a civic responsibility shared by all residents 18 years of age and older. It can be a very rewarding experience. However, jury service can also be challenging and, at times, stressful, potentially affecting a juror’s mental health.
Trials and inquests often involve traumatic details for everyone involved, including victims, court staff, and jurors.
For jurors, the courtroom is often an unfamiliar environment, and court procedures can feel overwhelming. Some cases include graphic and disturbing evidence that may lead to feelings of shock, anxiety, stress, and grief.
These reactions are often referred to as Critical Incident Stress Responses.
These are normal responses to difficult, tragic, or frightening situations and can range from mild to severe. While these feelings are often temporary and lessen over time, they may be especially intense during a trial or inquest, affecting concentration, sleep, and overall well-being.
Most individuals involved in a critical incident, such as a difficult trial or inquest, experience some form of stress response. This is both common and normal. Addressing these feelings early is important for maintaining and improving overall mental health.
Self-care for jurors:
Jury duty involves strict rules and expectations that can sometimes affect a juror’s mental health. Jury duty can be disruptive upsetting work and home life as well as normal day to day routines. For some, jury duty can be isolating leading to a sense of loneliness and additional stress.
It is important for jurors to know they are never alone.
Addressing these feelings early is important for maintaining and improving overall mental health.
Self-care is one of the most important and accessible tools available to help jurors manage stress and maintain their well-being.
Fortunately, jurors can take active steps to support and improve their mental health through self-care.
The Canadian Juries Commission has developed a self-care toolkit specifically for jurors.
Please click the link below to download your free self-care toolkit.
Funding generously provided by:
