This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/7623185.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Jury age limit 'could be raised' Jury age limit 'could be raised'
(about 4 hours later)
The age limit for juries could be raised from 65 to 70, under Scottish Government plans to be announced. The age limit for juries could be raised from 65 to 70, under Scottish Government plans.
About 200,000 people in Scotland would become eligible to serve on trial juries under the proposals.About 200,000 people in Scotland would become eligible to serve on trial juries under the proposals.
Ministers are also hoping to reduce the size of juries and limit the exemption period from five years to two for those who have been called but not selected.Ministers are also hoping to reduce the size of juries and limit the exemption period from five years to two for those who have been called but not selected.
Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill is expected to launch a consultation seeking the public's views. Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has launched a consultation seeking the public's views.
'Wider work''Wider work'
Currently, judges, sheriffs and lay justices in Scotland can serve on the bench until the age of 70.Currently, judges, sheriffs and lay justices in Scotland can serve on the bench until the age of 70.
But the current age limit of people eligible to hear evidence and deliver verdicts in criminal trials is 65.But the current age limit of people eligible to hear evidence and deliver verdicts in criminal trials is 65.
The Scottish Government said a range of proposals would be contained in its consultation paper.The Scottish Government said a range of proposals would be contained in its consultation paper.
A spokesman said: "We are committed to reviewing the operation of the jury system as part of our wider work to reform Scotland's criminal justice system. A spokesman said: "We are committed to reviewing the operation of the jury system as part of our wider work to reform Scotland's criminal justice system."
"A consultation setting out possible options for reform will be launched very shortly."