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Juries form an integral part of our legal system. They comprise of citizens randomly chosen from the electoral register, and serve as a means for non-legal (or 'lay') members of our community to participate in the administration of justice.
Critically, when it comes to a criminal trial, jurors must determine whether the accused is guilty as charged. In civil trials, the question to be determined is who is at fault.
Entrenched principles of fairness within our justice system demand that everyone who enters it understand the nature of judicial proceedings. The following information is designed to contribute substantially to achieving this goal. A succinct explanation of the entire jury process, from the time you receive your summons until the verdict in a case is given, is contained within this guide. Please note, however, that this information is intended only as a short introduction to jury service and not as a substitute for instructions from the trial judge.
The Victorian jury system and its administration operates pursuant to the Juries Act 2000. The Act provides for the operation and administration of a system of trial by jury that:
- equitably spreads the obligation of jury service amongst the community;
- makes juries more representative of the community: and
- permits the timely adoption of new technologies for the selection of persons for jury service.
The efficient management of Victoria's jury system is the responsibility of the Office of the Juries Commissioner, located in the Victorian County Court Complex at 250 William Street, Melbourne and Deputy Juries Commissioner's which are located at major regional courts.
Related Documents
 Notice of Selection - Metropolitan
 Notice of Selection - Regional
 Jury Summons
 Juror's Handbook
Related Links
Juries Act 2000
Department of Justice Victoria website: http://www.justice.vic.gov.au |  | 
Jurors orientation area
Jurors lounge area |
© Office of the Juries Commissioner and the Victoria Law Foundation, 2004
Juries Commissioner's Office
Ground Floor, County Court Building, 250 William Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Phone No: +61 3 8636 6800
Fax No: +61 3 8636 6830
Email: juries@supremecourt.vic.gov.au
Office hours : 9.00am - 5.00pm
Other: Ausdoc: DX 210608
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