Politics

New law to protect jurors takes effect

18:14 pm on 29 April 2013

Legislation aimed at improving the privacy and safety of jurors took effect on Monday.

The Juries Amendment Act removes the addresses of potential jurors from the lists provided to lawyers.

The legislation was introduced in response to the action of convicted murderer George Baker who wrote to a juror whose name he saw on a list while representing himself in a trial.

The law also allows people to apply to be permanently excused from jury duty if they are aged over 65, disabled or in ill-health.

It also prevents anyone who has served three months' or more home detention in the past five years from serving on a jury.