Support 'Don't Count Me Out!'

An assertive campaign to put pressure on government to reconsider an archaic rule that bans people who have been treated for a mental health issue from serving on a jury has been launched.


The move, by mental health charity Rethink, came in a week where despite repeated government promises over the past five years to consult on the issue, the Ministry of Justice confirmed it would not be publishing a consultation after all. To date, no explanation as to why has been offered.


Actor Stephen Fry says: “There are thousands of people with mental health problems who are willing and perfectly capable of serving on a jury but who find themselves rejected solely because they see a doctor from time to time for support or medication. Exclusion purely on the grounds of treatment for a mental health problem is unfair and discriminatory, and eliminates a whole tranche of law abiding, competent individuals who should be entitled to play their part in the justice system.

Find out how you could support this campaign here.