People with disabilities are no longer automatically exempt from jury duty in Canberra, after new laws passed the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday.
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People who cannot read or speak the English language can now also serve on a jury, if the court believes they can be reasonably supported to perform the role.
The laws were part of an omnibus of courts and justice legislation, tightening up the rules around juries.
The High Court found Gaye Lyons, who can lip read but requires an interpreter in order to communicate, was not discriminated against when a Queensland court excluded her from jury service in 2012.
The basis of the High Court's judgment – that Queensland law had no provisions allowing an interpreter to be in the jury room – also applied in the ACT.
However the law has now been amended to allow people to access an interpreter or support person to fulfil their role on the jury.
It also includes a new clause to require the interrupter or support person to make an oath to the court, similar to that of jurors.
"Fair treatment for juries and people who are called to serve as jurors is critically important to the justice system," ACT Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay said.
"The bill will support the inclusion of people with a disability as jurors, better reflecting the diverse make-up of the Canberra community."
The bill also amended the process for taking oaths and affirmations, to allow people to adapt the oath to their beliefs.
Mr Ramsay said the intention was to be more "inclusive and respectful" of cultural and religious beliefs, while preserving the "solemnity" and legal effect of the oath.
"For example, the amendments will allow a person to 'promise' rather than 'swear' the oath, and to name a god recognised by the person's religion rather than 'Almighty God'.
"Instead of saying 'so help me God', a person will be able to use a similar expression recognised by the person's religion."