Far reaching changes that would sweep away exemptions from doing jury service in the North were proposed today.
The proposals, put out for consultation by the Northern Ireland Office, would make juries much more representative of society and, ministers suggest, improve confidence in the justice system.
If followed through completely it could result in police officers, public prosecutors, judges and politicians all sitting on juries.
Teachers, doctors, nurses, and dentists would also be among those who lose an automatic right to be excused from service.
Under current legislation those exempt from jury service include members of the judiciary, members of the legal profession, public prosecutors, prison officers, probation officers, police officers, court staff, members of the forces , as well as those suffering from a mental disorder and people unable to understand English.
It is proposed that these groups - with the exception of those with mental disorders and those who can’t understand English - should become eligible to sit.
David Hanson, minister responsible for the Northern Ireland Court Service, said: “Expanding the pool of potential jurors will ensure that juries are not deprived of the broad range of skills and experience to be found in the community.”
PA