Citizens Juries are usually made up of 12-16 people who hear evidence from a range of specialist witnesses over several days and draw a set of informed conclusions and collective recommendations. Jurors are selected at random and are representative of the local population.
What do they do?
Citizens Juries allow for a detailed look at complex or controversial issues, and give jurors the opportunity to change their viewpoint in response to the evidence that is presented.
How have they been used by Lewisham?
Lewisham was one of the first councils in Britain to use a citizens jury back in April 1996. Sixteen local people met over four days to debate the impact of drugs on individuals and communities.