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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Mar 1951

Vol. 124 No. 11

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Jury Service.

asked the Minister for Justice whether he is aware of the long standing practice in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court whereby members of the Jewish faith are ordered by the State to "stand by" when about to be sworn on a jury and that this is hurtful to the persons concerned and to members of their faith; and, if so, if he will direct the Chief State Solicitor to discontinue the practice or, alternatively, if he will direct that Jews are not to be summoned for jury service if they are not to be permitted to serve on juries.

I am not aware of the existence of any such practice as is mentioned by the Deputy.

Members of the Jewish faith summoned as jurors are liable to be challenged and ordered to "stand by" when a jury is being sworn just as are any of the other jurors on the panel. There is no foundation, however, for any suggestion of discrimination against members of the Jewish faith merely because of their faith. In fact, out of some 50 cases recently heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court members of the Jewish faith have actually served on the juries in approximately 14 cases.

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