The pool of potential jurors is chosen purely at random, and Scottish courts have set themselves against any form of jury vetting.
During World War II the Administration of Justice (Emergency Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1939 provided that both civil and criminal juries would have seven members, of whom two would be special members, except for trials for treason or murder, or where a case in the High Court of Justiciary required the regular jury of fifteen on the "gravity of matters in issue".
[1] The rules of eligibility for jury service are broadly similar to England, but people with legal experience (such as solicitors, advocates, or court clerks) are excluded, as are those who have been involved in the justice system, including, but not limited to, police officers (both serving and retired), medical forensic practitioners and coroners, and prison officers.
Some are eligible for excusal as of right: In criminal cases, there need to be at least 30 potential jurors present in the court for the balloting of a jury to begin.
The names of the potential jurors are written on paper slips and drawn out of a glass bowl in open court by the clerk.