Invitations are being sent by the government to a random selection of 4,600 households asking anyone aged 16 or above to register their interest in participating. Following this, 18 to 24 members will be selected at random from the pool of applicants.
Health Minister Richard Renouf said he had committed to establishing a Citizens’ Jury to address the ‘sensitive issue’ of assisted dying last year, but that it had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added: ‘I’m glad we can start this process this year. Every member of the jury will have a pivotal role in helping ensure that the States Assembly, and other key stakeholders, benefit from an in-depth understanding of our community’s response to assisted dying ahead of a debate later this year. I hope that Islanders will register their interest in participating. This is a real opportunity to influence and inform future policy and legislation in Jersey.’
The jury will begin with online meetings in the spring and aim to make recommendations to the States Assembly before the end of the year. It is intended that those selected for the group will represent a cross-section of the Island’s population. An independent advisory panel has been set up to ensure the integrity and robustness of the process.
Michael De La Haye, a member of the advisory panel, said: ‘The minister has tasked us as panel members with overseeing the integrity of the Citizens’ Jury process, both in terms of its design and content. We will work with independent organisations, who are leaders in participatory democracy, to ensure that the make-up of the jury represents our Island, and that the evidence presented to jury members is balanced, accurate and comprehensive.’
