Courts Act 1971

33 Summoning in exceptional circumstances

(1) If it appears to the court that a jury to try any issue before the court will be, or probably will be, incomplete, the court may, if the court thinks fit, require any persons who are in, or in the vicinity of, the court, and who have the qualifications required by the [1825 c. 50.] Juries Act 1825, or who appear to the court, although not so qualified, to be responsible and suitable persons, to be summoned (without any written notice) up to such number as is needed (after allowing for refusals and challenges) to make up a full jury.

(2) The names of the persons so summoned shall be added to the panel, and challenges may be made accordingly, and the court shall proceed as if those so summoned had been included in the panel in the first instance.

(3) Notwithstanding section 8(2)(b) of the [1922 c. 11.] Juries Act 1922, a person shall be liable to serve as a juror in pursuance of a summons under this section even though his name is not included in the register of electors.