HM Courts and Tribunals (HMCTS) revealed last week how the court prepared ahead of the trial, in July. The juror, Karen, attended a pre-court visit arranged by Jury Team Leader, Maria Loizou-Griggs, where she was shown around and observed two part-heard trials. She received a written copy of the jury induction speech before the trial and was supported by three interpreters and two ushers.
BSL interpreters are allowed into the jury deliberation room as a 13th person, under the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
Croydon reviewed the layout of the courtrooms and deliberation rooms to plan where Karen and the interpreters would sit, and also contacted the British Deaf Association for advice.
Loizou-Griggs went through the guidance document with the jurors as part of their induction, and placed printouts of the guidance document in the deliberations room and jury assembly area, so that other jurors were aware of how best to communicate with Karen and the interpreters. Printouts of interpreter oaths were placed in all courtrooms and all staff and judges were emailed with best practice on how to engage with Karen in court.
The defendant changed their plea but Karen was selected for another trial and undertook the role of jury foreperson. She said her jury experience ‘went smoothly and exceeded my expectations’.
Croydon also recommended placing guidance on how to speak with a juror who uses BSL interpreters on the counsel benches, in the jury lift and with security at reception, and setting up deliberation rooms so jurors are sat in a circle facing one another. Croydon Crown Court intends to draw up guidance on hosting deaf jurors, which it will share with courts on request.
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