Tynwald backs major overhaul of jury eligibility rules

Order removes most automatic exemptions and widens the Island's pool of potential jurors

Tynwald has unanimously approved wide-ranging reforms to the Island's jury system, removing many long-standing automatic exemptions and shifting towards a case-by-case approach to excusal.

The Jury Act 1980 (Amendment) Order 2025 modernises Schedule one of the Act by narrowing the list of professions that are permanently exempt and repealing the categories covering clergy, disabled people and those with mental disorders.

Under the new framework, only individuals with a clear conflict of interest - such as members of the judiciary, certain Crown appointments and Tynwald Members - will remain automatically exempt.

Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson said the changes update an outdated system, remove unnecessary safeguards and ensure jury service continues to be treated as a civic responsibility shared as widely as possible.

She emphasised that the exemption process will remain in place, operating on an individual basis to meet the needs of both jurors and the justice system.

Ramsey MHK Lawrie Hooper welcomed the reforms, saying they "make a lot of sense", but questioned why the upper age limit - which prevents those aged over 71 from becoming jurors - has been retained.

Onchan MHK Julie Edge said she supported the intention to be more inclusive but raised concerns about the impact on frontline workers, noting pressures already faced by essential services.

Mrs Poole-Wilson said the case-by-case excusal process would continue to protect those whose absence could create operational difficulties.

A public consultation earlier this year showed strong support for reform, with 86 percent of respondents backing an update to the exemption list and around 71 percent favouring a move towards individual exemptions.

The Cabinet Office says the amendments better reflect a modern workforce and bring the Island closer to practice in England and Wales.

The reforms will come into effect on 1 January 2026.