The Coroners (Amendment) Rules 2004
Section 8 of the Coroners Act 1988 gives the coroner power to summon a jury in a case where an inquest is to be held with a jury. Rule 51 of the Coroners Rules 1984 (“the 1984 Rules”) makes provision for excusal from jury service. This provision is in many respects similar to the arrangements for excusal from jury service in the Crown Court, the High Court and county courts under section 9 of the Juries Act 1974 (“the 1974 Act”) which has been amended by paragraphs 3 to 6 of Schedule 33 to the Criminal Justice Act 2003.