What is the minimum age at which one is eligible to serve on a jury in the UK?

Serving on a jury is a really important civic duty in the UK, and it's all about ensuring fair trials. To be eligible, you need to be old enough to understand the complexities of a legal case and make informed decisions. That's why the minimum age is 18. Think of it this way: 18 is the age when you gain full adult rights and responsibilities in the UK. You can vote, enter into contracts, and, yes, serve on a jury. While 16-year-olds have some rights, they're still considered minors in many legal contexts. Waiting until 21 or 25, while perhaps ensuring even greater maturity, would exclude a significant portion of the adult population from participating in this crucial part of the justice system. So, 18 strikes a balance between maturity and broad participation in civic life.