The Ministry of Justice has formally launched public consultation on reforms to the jury system, including proposals for smaller juries.

Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, said consultation was an important step in efforts to modernise Bermuda’s jury system to be more inclusive, efficient and reflective of the community.

Ms Wilkerson said: “Our jury system is one of the most fundamental safeguards of justice. But to keep it strong, we must ensure that the laws governing jury service keep pace with the realities of today’s Bermuda.

“One of the areas under consideration is expanding eligibility to allow persons over the age of 75 to serve, if they wish, reviewing grounds for exemptions and disqualifications and exploring opportunities to make the selection process more efficient and representative.

“As Bermuda now has the largest jury sizes of all British Overseas Territories, reducing the size of juries is also under review.

“Public input will be critical in shaping a system that balances fairness with practicality.”

As reported by The Royal Gazette, proposals in the 13-page consultation document include cutting the number of jurors from 12 to eight, reducing exemption categories, and easing restrictions on potential jurors with criminal convictions.

Another document proposes enabling criminal matters to be heard before a judge in cases presenting “a real and present danger” of jury tampering, or jury bias in a small community.

The draft proposals also raise the potential for using artificial intelligence in vetting jurors, while a third document concerns civil trials — including a proposal to allow for two alternate jurors to protect against trial disruption.

Online consultation on the proposals is set to run until December 31 through forum.gov.bm.

A government spokeswoman said that a series of public meetings will also be held in partnership with parish councils.

The first is scheduled for Thursday at Somerset Cricket Club, beginning at 7.30pm, with residents encouraged to attend and share their perspectives.

Details about further meetings are to be announced.

Ms Wilkerson said: “Public participation is essential to achieving meaningful reform.

“Jury service touches many Bermudians at some point in their lives and it is vital that the process is fair, transparent and accessible.

“We want to hear from the community so that these reforms reflect both legal principles and the lived experience of the people.”