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First female jurors at the Old Bailey 1921
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First female jurors at the Old Bailey 1921
The empanelling for the first mixed jury, with its forewoman Mrs Taylor Bumstead. Date: 1921
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Media ID 23268904
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Bumstead Common Females Gender Jul19 Jury Mixed Opening Serjeant Sessions Taylor 1921 Juror Jurors
EDITORS COMMENTS
This historic photograph captures the momentous occasion of the first female jurors being empanelled at the Old Bailey in London, England, in April 1921. The image shows a mixed jury, consisting of both men and women, being sworn in for duty. At the forefront of the group, proudly wearing a hat and holding a Bible, is the first female foreperson, Mrs. Taylor Bumstead. The empanelling of women jurors was a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality in the legal system. Prior to this, women were not permitted to serve on juries in England and Wales. The introduction of mixed juries was a result of the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act 1919, which aimed to remove legal restrictions that prevented women from holding certain public offices and positions. The serjeant at law, dressed in traditional robes, presides over the proceedings, as the common law sessions officially open. The ladies in the jury box, dressed in their Sunday best, display a range of expressions, from solemn determination to curious interest. The presence of women in the jury box signified a shift in societal norms and marked the beginning of women's increased involvement in the legal system. This photograph is an important reminder of the progress made towards gender equality in the legal profession and serves as a testament to the courage and determination of those who fought for women's rights in the early 20th century.
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