How to use the online timer
Once you have set aside three hours and forty minutes for a jury session before the break, you can start the countdown and leave the device alone while you follow the evidence. That avoids repeatedly checking the clock when your attention belongs on the witness, the barrister’s questions and any directions from the judge.
During a jury session, a phone or watch must not create a distraction in court. Silent mode keeps calls and notifications from sounding, but the finishing alert may also be muted, depending on the device settings. A visible screen or vibration can provide a discreet signal where devices are permitted; if the court asks jurors to switch phones off or hand them in, the official timetable given by the usher takes priority.
When the countdown interrupts your concentration, mark the point you had reached before turning to the break itself. A brief note about the witness speaking, the topic under discussion or the last judicial direction makes the return less abrupt. If proceedings resume after an unexpected delay, use that note to recover the thread rather than relying on the elapsed time to show where the session stopped.
Common questions
What could make the planned jury session finish earlier than the full interval?
A witness may finish sooner than expected, or the judge may pause proceedings to address a legal matter. Stop using the countdown as the guide once the judge or usher announces the break.
What should I do if the jury session continues beyond the planned interval?
Remain guided by the court rather than leaving when the countdown ends. Silence the alert promptly if devices are permitted, then note where proceedings reached so you can return to the same point after the eventual break.
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