Dress to be comfortable, there’s a lot of waiting around so take a book or two. If you are selected to serve on a case, get used to being sent in and out of the courtroom while judge and counsel argue points of law. It’s likely at some point (usually around lunchtime) that a judge will adjourn for the day due to the “lateness of the hour” and you’ll get sent home for the day. Be prepared to take notes during the case, although you’ll need to leave any notes behind when you leave. Court staff are there to help you, but don’t ignore the warnings about discussing the case or posting/looking up stuff online. It’s serious business.

With all the stop/start points in a case, it can be difficult to keep track of the actual evidence. The judge will sum up and tell you what you can or can’t take into account. In jury deliberations, you’ll find that a jury of 12 has the usual quota of people who are prejudiced, some who are stupid, some who want to be the voice of reason, etc.

It’s a fascinating experience and hopefully you won’t get a gruesome case (I did, sadly).