Juror well-being: sharing challenges and experiences of jury service in England

What’s on offer?

At this free event we explore the lived experience of being a juror on a disturbing murder case.

Discover our latest research into the effect of skeletal trauma evidence upon jurors and consider what should be done to meet the psychological needs of jurors.

What’s it about?

Have you ever been a juror or always been fascinated by the idea of jury duty? Maybe you are worried at the thought of being a juror on a harrowing case? Or just anxious about the prospect of jury duty in general? Perhaps you work in wellbeing and trauma support or are studying towards becoming a counsellor or psychologist. Or maybe you work in the criminal justice system and are keen to learn more about how your professional practice can influence juror wellbeing. This event is for everyone who has a personal or professional interest in the wellbeing of jurors.

This event focuses on our project ‘Skeletal remains in the courtroom – assessing the emotional impact upon jurors of skeletal trauma evidence’ - our ongoing collaboration between psychology, forensic archaeology, and forensic anthropology. Attendees will uncover the first-hand experiences of a juror on a graphic, high profile murder trial, uncover different ways that skeletal trauma evidence is presented to jurors, and we will reveal the impact of these materials upon juror stress and wellbeing.

We will invite the audience to share experiences and ideas to improve juror wellbeing support.

Who’s leading the event?

The event is led by Dr Hannah Fawcett (Manchester Metropolitan University), Dr Matt Brooks (Manchester Metropolitan University) and Joe Ahearne (former juror). Hannah is a senior lecturer in psychology and a researcher into juror decision making. She is the principal researcher on the British Academy funded project ‘Skeletal remains in the courtroom – assessing the emotional impact upon jurors of 3D-printed skeletal trauma evidence’.

Matt is a senior lecturer in forensic psychology and has expertise in stress, trauma and positive psychological change after traumatic and stressful life events.

Joe is a former juror on the high-profile trial of Eric Feld who was convicted in 2023 for the murder in a London Park of Ranjith Kankanamalage

Open to

Anyone over the age of 18 years is welcome to attend. We talk about cases involving murder, violence and assault so this event is not suitable for children.

Of particular interest to

Open to anyone but we particularly welcome people with experience of jury duty, those interested in taking part in jury duty, and people working with jurors through in the criminal justice system.