Changes to court rules alter the time limits applicable for parties requesting the issue of the jury precept in civil jury trials in the Court of Session.  

Under the new rules, which amend Rule 37.2 of the Rules of the Court of Session 1994, a pursuer will now require to request the issue of the jury precept not less than 70 days before the diet of jury trial. Where the pursuer fails to do so, the defender may do so, not less than 63 days before the diet.   

The additional time provided for in the rules will enable the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service time to cite additional civil jurors if large number of those cited are found to be ineligible, or are excused.  

The new time limits will also give qualified jurors more time to notify their availability and make any personal arrangements required to facilitate their attendance for jury service.  

The Act of Sederunt (Rules of the Court of Session 1994 Amendment) (Jury Trials) 2018, which was made on 5 September 2018, comes into force on 21 September 2018.