According to the Times yesterday (10/08/10) the Council of Judges have said that anyone over the age of 70 should not be able to sit as a juror.
The fact is that many people over 70 live a full and active life, are engaged, eloquent and sharp as a button. The Times lists many people who have met these criteria (the Queen, Mandela who became president of South Africa at 75, PD James, Einstein, Churchill, Picasso and Matisse, and Warren Buffet to name but a few). It seems perfectly reasonable that those who are not in the best of health, or who lack mobility, might opt out from this duty. But it makes equal sense that those who want to engage, are probably already active in their community, and are more likely to have the time to do Jury service, should have the right to participate. And what of the wisdom that we hope imbues our justice system? In his book ‘The Healthy Ageing Brain’ (W.W. Norton 2008),the psychologist Louis Cozolino describes some of the latest findings from brain research, comparing the ‘adaption characteristics’ of younger and older people. He describes those of the younger brain as being; energy, enthusiasm, and new ways of thinking. While the adaption characteristics of the older brain are patience, perspective, emotional stability, optimism, and empathy. Wisdom indeed, and qualities which should be welcome in a court of law.
Melanie Haslam; Wise Branding
Over 50s Market Research, Marketing to older people
Wise Branding is a market research and planning company dedicated to the marketing and communication needs of the over 50s.