Upper age limit of jury service to be extended to 75

From next month, the upper age limit for jurors in England and Wales will be 75, the government has announced.

Ministers say that the change, which will take effect from December 1, will make juries more representative of the communities they serve.

At the moment, only people aged 18 to 70 are eligible to be part of a jury, and this latest change will be the first of its kind for nearly three decades.

Justice Minister Sir Oliver Heald QC said:"Trial by jury is a fundamental part of our world-leading justice system and it is important that our juries reflect today's society.

"People are living longer, healthier lives, so it is right that our courts are able to benefit from the wisdom and experience that older people can offer."

It is thought that the move, first proposed three years ago, could add an estimated three million eligible 70 to 75-year-olds to the jury "pool" and could also yield an economic benefit of between £19 million and £39 million.

Around 178,000 people in England and Wales undertake jury service every year, and savings could result if there are less jurors in employment when they are called.

Paul Green, of over-50s travel company Saga, said: "We are living longer, healthier lives.

"It is great that the Government has recognised the fact that older people not only have a great deal of life experience, but also remain astute, savvy and worldly-wise.

"They will be a valued addition to any jury. This is a common sense reform and should be applauded."

Jane Ashcroft, chief executive of older people's charity Anchor, also welcomed the move, saying: "Older people already contribute a great deal to society and represent an integral part of any local community."

Francis FitzGibbon QC, chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, said: "The wisdom and experience of older jurors should help them to make wise decisions, with insights that younger jurors may lack."There is every reason for our ageing population to continue to fulfil its civic duties."Those who are infirm can be excused. Jurors should come from all sectors of society, because the jury represents society in all its diversity."