I just got called for Jury Duty, HELP!.......

[Joe the Liberal]

I went to go check the mail a few minutes ago and got a "Jury Summons". I'm only 19, I've never even seen the inside of a court room in person, this is totally unexpected. I'm scheduled to appear the end of next month (February), has anyone else done Jury Duty before? Can you give me some insight as to what I have to do/expect? Do they pay you for going? If so how much? What happens if you don't go?

[Taverner]

1. I got out of it because of my ADHD

If you have that - trust me - it works

[sohndrsmith]

87. that's so goofy! Why would they let you out for that? You sure you

didn't elaborate a little more than that, maybe...? : ) : )

[Blue Dog Dominion]

134. ADD has its advantadges

I wish I'd know about mine in HS. Apparently you could get unlimited time on the SAT

[rebecca_herman]

137. They will excuse you for various conditions

Maybe they feel an ADD juror would have trouble paying attention to the case?

I was excused because of an anxiety disorder a few years ago. It was documented so they were fine with it. Maybe they kept it on file because I haven't gotten any letters from them since.

[Sisaruus]

122. I had to serve in spite of myself.

When I was asked if I could be fair, just and reasonable, I replied that I had no problem with fair and just but as a menopausal woman I wasn't going to promise reasonable. When the lawyers stopped laughing they still picked me to serve.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

2. I got called once

Didn't go. Nothing happened.

[Horse with no Name]

3. Why do you want to get out of your civic duty?

Are you a fair person? Are you willing to listen to the facts and judge a person truthfully and not because of their race or religion?
If you answered yes...then you could very possibly save an innocent person from being sent to jail.
They pay you a paltry sum, but you are doing it because of your civic mindedness, not to get rich.
Oh...if you simply don't go, they will haul your ass to jail!
Good luck!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

4. Not to worry!

You will be fine; there's a first time for everybody...

Yes, you need to go. In California, you do get paid, but it's not much.

It's pretty boring unless you get onto an actual jury panel. That's the group that is called for a particular trial, and from which the actual jurors get picked.

There are normally many folks on this panel, since most people will get removed for one reason or another. You are questioned by the lawyers on both sides of the case, and they decide who will stay or not.

Consider it a day of vacation!

[Catshrink]

10. CA Peggy is right...

it can be boring while you're waiting. Bring something to read or listen to or you will go bonkers!

[DemBones DemBones]

52. Here, you're not allowed to read while waiting.

Stupid, isn't it?

[Catshrink]

74. Stupid indeed.

Most people feel jury duty is a waste of time. To be denied the option of reading or otherwise occupying oneselef while waiting only serves to make people more resistant to serving. Stupid stupid stupid.

[Jack_DeLeon]

83. Where is "here?"

Here in Texas I've not had the same problem.

[Catshrink]

13. Oops dupe.

sorry about that.

[NightWatcher]

5. go, do your duty. Wouldnt you want someone like yourself on a jury if you were charged?

go, sit, be patient and aware. If called for a trial do you part to see that justice is delivered.

Dont get out of it.

[Orsino]

108. Yes. Be the juror you'd want.

Love this thought. :thumbsup:

[panader0]

6. Maybe I'm wrong, but I throw mine away.

The court is 60 miles round trip, the duty would essentially take the whole day, and they offer $12. Twelve dollars. Until they make it worth the time to take off work and cover expenses, I'm out.
Unless it's registered mail, they can't prove you ever saw it.

[Lex]

25. Last year, a local Judge ordered that everyone who skipped out on a Jury Summons

be taken into custody by the Sheriff, hauled into court, and explain why they ignored the Summons. It happened too.

Unless the Summons comes back to the Court as undeliverable or you can prove a change of address, the Judge isn't going to assume you "didn't get it."

[Confusious]

29. If you have jury duty,

It is the law that your boss is suppose to pay you for the day, and then you turn the $12 over to him. At least thats how it works here.

Unless you are the boss, then it sucks I guess.

[LiberalFighter]

43. It is not the same in every state.

[ProfessorGAC]

99. Here In Illinois,. . .

. . .i think it's that way too. But, the only time i've been called to the courthouse (there's an automated system and you call daily to see if your number is one of the "go to the courthouse" group), it was afternoon. I don't get paid by the hour, so i didn't apply for any pay at all, and the courthouse gave us a voucher for the downtown parking.

So, all it cost was $4 for parking for 3 days.

On the third day, i got called in for jury selection, and when the prosecutor asked me what i did for a living, i was dismissed. I answered, he said, "You can go."
GAC

[Missy Vixen]

48. It's three days

If you're not picked within three days, they excuse you. Plus, they offer bus fare, mileage, etcetera.

I'd rather give them their three days than wonder if it was going to bite me later.

[varkam]

101. Except that the burden is going to be on you to show that you didn't get it. eom

[alcibiades_mystery]

104. It's not a job; it's a social obligation

I hope you get a day or two in jail for contempt to remind you that we live in a fucking society.

[Blue Dog Dominion]

127. Thanks for being a civic asshole. Do you cheat on your taxes too?

[Ilsa]

7. Consequences depend on whether it is federal summons or local.

Not responding to a federal summons is pretty serious business. You could be arrested.

My husband and I get called for local stuff (criminal trials) every few years. I am exempted because of my kids and one is disabled. Hubby has served. Look over the summons for reasons for exemption. If you are in college, you might be exempted.

Good luck.

[JerseygirlCT]

8. I don't know where you are

Here, it usually means reporting for one day - which is almost always one morning. They look over the big pool of prospective jurors, they may bring you in as a potential juror, and ask some questions.

The first time I was called, I was brought in for a big capital case up here. I was released - I think more because of my daycare needs (couldn't stay until 5:30 to sit on a jury) than for my opposition to the DP.

I've been several times since, and usually it's just a long, boring morning spent in an uncomfortable chair, reading and wishing there was something useful I could be doing instead!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

9. Do it; it will be interesting.

You will get paid (the amount depends on the jurisdiction, but it's not a whole lot). You DO have to show up. The jury summons you received should have the information you need, or a web site or phone number where you can get more details.

[flyingfysh]

11. It's not too bad, but it's the duty of a citizen.

Take a book or two along to read, there will probably be lots of waiting. You will probably be shown a short movie about what to expect and what jurors do. When they need jurors for a case, they call several into the courtroom, and select a jury from them, by asking questions that could indicate that people may not be impartial for that case. If there is a hardship reason you can't go that day, don't ignore the summons. Tell the clerk. If you don't go, you can be arrested. They pay, but not very much (usually $10/day or so). Most cases are short, a very few are long.

I wound up being the foreman for a jury in a DUI case, it took 2 days. I was the one who announced "guilty" in court.

[Siwsan]

12. I served, once

At the time, it was a 3 week committment. I ended up getting picked for 3 juries - 2 murder and one manslaughter. It was a worthwhile experience and I learned so much. I felt sorry for the people who turned up, every day, just to sit around and not be selected.

I think every state has a different reimbursement amount, but it's never much. At the time, I signed the check over to the place I worked, and they paid me my regular salary.

I can't say I would have had such a worthwhile experience, had these been long, dull civil trials.

[Jamastiene]

14. First, calm down.

You can read some of the About.com entries on Jury Duty to get the gist of what happens, but don't stop there.
http://search.about.com/fullsearch.htm?terms=jury%20duty

Depending on the state in which you were summoned to appear, you can look up information from your state's official government web site about the specifics in your state.

Also, each case is different. Most of the time, you get paid, but it's not that much.

If you don't show up, however, they will haul your rear end (and the rest of you) to jail. That much I remember from civics class.

[lonestarnot]

15. It is your civic duty. You have to go. If you don't want to serve on the jury, just tell

the Court you can not be impartial, and you are dismissed. No usually you are not paid until you begin serving on the jury.

[Old Codger]

16. Duty

I have served several times, I have never regretted it, it can be an inconvenience, it can be a pain, but it is a duty of every citizen to serve on jury duty when called. The post up there that didn't show and never heard from them is damn lucky they can and will come after you in some jurisdictions, and you may find that you are the one pleading your case to a "Jury of your peers".. serve, you may find that you enjoy it, you may learn something, you will in fact have a chance to see justice done.

[supernova]

17. You MUST go

There's no worming out of it. It's the law. And yes, you are paid a per diem rate by that jurisdiction. Check your local gov't website for what the pay rate is.

But, it's not really a big deal. Let your employer know as soon as you get a summons, so that they are aware. They have to let you serve.

Check your summons for a telephone #. Many places have a phone line for you to call the evening before to see if you are still needed on the following day. If they have one, call it in due course.

If you do wind up going in, just go to the court house when they say be there.

Take something to read or amuse yourself with. You will wait, a LOT.

You will sit in the public part of the courtroom until you are called to sit in the juror's chair.

The defense and the plaintiff's lawyers will ask you questions about what you believe and they will be pertinent to the case. Answer honestly.

They will haggle back and forth and keep some folks and let others go. If they say they want you removed. You are free to go.

If you are seated, remain on the jury, then you have to sit there and listen to the case. :P Strap yourself in for the next week or so.

Lastly, have fun! It's interesting.

[stevedeshazer]

18. Didn't they send you instructions with your jury summons?

Your obligations as a juror may vary due to differing laws in your city/county/state.

Depending on where you are, you can postpone jury service if you have to be at a job or class.

But do it if you can. It's very informative. Just bring something to read or work to do, because it's mostly just waiting.

I've been a juror several times, have been chosen for a couple of trials which just lasted a few hours. It's not a big deal. It's in fact a damn good thing.

[dixiegrrrrl]

19. If you don't go, they can arrest you.

You have been called along with usually a large number of people, who form a "jury pool" and some are chosen to hear a case, some are not. At this point, you are not anywhere near a jury trial.
With any luck, depending on how they organize the call...alphabetically? you could be sent home without being selected for anything.
The pay varies by state..google your city/county. ranges from 10.00 ( on our poor lil rural county ) to 35.00 ( medium city near us ) a day, as far as I know last I looked a few years ago.

Dress and act nice...judges can be intolerant.

If you are chosen to sit on a jury, there are few excuses you can provide to back up not attending,
Again, locality determines what those are. Usually medical inability to sit is accepted.

Try google for your area.

[jazzjunkysue]

70. Wrong. They WILL arrest you.

[rubberducky]

20. I can`t even begin to tell you how much this experience will mean to you.

I`ve only been called once, but I found it so interesting I wish I could go more often. The jury I was on was for a man on trial for attempted murder. Every day I was there, I felt so much pride in doing "my civic responsibility". You will never forget this experience, at least that`s the way I felt.

[Muttocracy]

21. grand jury or jury for a single case? I've been called for each

For regular jury duty, I never made it out of the waiting room. A lot of cases get settled out of court but the jury pool has to be there just in case. We got sent home early some days.

For grand jury duty, I had it on and off over a couple of weeks. Less pressure because we were just voting whether there was enough evidence to lead to trial. I think we voted in favor of every one, nearly all anonymous.

I found it fascinating - lots of stuff I didn't know going on in my community. Lots of drunk driving cases (I keep some of the roads in mind as I drive), some drug stuff I was oblivious to. Some identity theft / forged check stuff. Only two really sad cases. It was fascinating for me to see the DAs at work as well. I've considered going to law school (not criminal/prosecuting stuff) so it was just interesting overall. The next time I was voting for county DA I had actually seen one of them in action, and his staff.

In NY you get paid if your employer doesn't pay for your time on jury duty.

[Sheepshank]

22. payment...

...is not very much and different states and employers have varying policies. At my work, they will pay me FT for jury duty, but I have to sign over the $17 check I get from the courts. I've heard of other employers that give so many days at full pay and the rest at 1/2 pay. So if you work, you should check with your HR dept to see what the policy is. If you are a student, you may be exempt from jury duty. Call the court clerk and they may be able to guide you. But doing your civic duty is not all that difficult, and you might find it quite interesting.

[quaker bill]

23. at 19

it is very unlikely you will be seated on a jury panel. Most lawyers would consider someone of your age a bit too unpredictable. I have done jury duty at least 10 times and only began getting seated on jury panels when I had a bit of gray hair. Most trials are rather dull predictable affairs over some pretty mundane matters, so it is likely you will not be missing much.

Over the last ten years I have been seated 4 times. Three of the cases settled early in the trial and we were dismissed. Only one went all the way to final judgement. It involved hour upon hour of taped video depositions, it was good that there was plenty of coffee to be had.

[rateyes]

24. Yes, I've served. It's an inconvenience, but it's your duty as a citizen.

At 19, if you are able, there should be no problem. Just show up where and when. Then simply listen to the judge.

[Oregone]

75. And if it just so happens that your citizen duty entails rounding up jews, you ought to do it

[rateyes]

111. Wow, what a leap in logic.

It just so happens my civic duties don't include that, and never will.

[Oregone]

114. Thats good. My citizen duty doesn't include doing a damn thing.

Fuck "citizen duty".

If a society cannot breed and inspire people who will volunteer their time, then such a society does not deserve its citizens to perform service. End of story.

[rateyes]

115. I don't want "volunteer jurys."

And, with your attitude, I don't want you as a juror if I'm ever charged with a crime.

[Oregone]

151. Your missing the point

You should want to exist within a society where people would feel apt to volunteer (rather than be motivated to post on a forum on how to avoid it). If your society cannot produce the former, than it probably doesn't "deserve" the service from its citizens. If a society cannot produce willing servants, then the concept of "duty" to such a society is artificial and thin at best.

Yes, my attitude sucks, but most likely I would let you off because I don't respect law much. Don't worry, I high-tailed it out of the States some months ago.

[treestar]

152. Jury service is just like voting

It's where the individual can have input into the government.

It's a sign this is a government of the people.

Never understood why people never appreciated living in a country where they are part of the justice system, and in fact, its ultimate decider, like the voters are.

Hating jury service is like hating to vote.

[Oregone]

153. Well, regarding hating jury system

I am turned off by the fact that being "guilty" or "innocent" is determined in black and white by what human(s) perpetrated the actual offense (even if you do not find the offense to be wrong in itself). Rarely is the system that produces the individual put on trial, nor are the socio-economic circumstances of the offender considered, which would of likely created the conditions and the environment that molded the individual. You sit there, after the fact, told to look without a peripheral consciousness. Many offenders are molded humans touched by society that failed them. And now you are suppose to protect that society from these dangerous people (that it will continue to produce)? You are suppose to help purify this system from the garbage it perpetually produces, from the people who cannot follow the systematic rules due to the lottery they lost at birth.

Id rather read a good book, but then again, Im not much for voting either.

[treestar]

156. On the jury you can take that into consideration

In the sentencing at least. If they are guilty of something that ought not to be a crime, there's a shot at jury nullification.

It's the best system there is - what would be better?

[Dreamer Tatum]

116. Yes, most societies start their breakdowns that way

They test the waters by seeing which sheeple will show up to participate in the legal process, and they use those results
to start rounding up Jews.

Happens EVERY time.

(you're an idiot, not worth the sarcasm tag)

[Oregone]

149. Its an example of how civic duty is not necessarily "moral" or "righteous" in itself.

Being required to serve one's state can be anything but noble, and is not a justification in itself to perform the "service".

[Hippo_Tron]

138. Well I'm Jewish, so if I go to jury duty I guess that means I'm rounding up myself...

I guess I've performed two civic duties with one stone. Or something like that.

:rofl: :rofl:

[Oregone]

150. Well, it can be said...

That if you are willing to go to jury duty simply because you are told it is your "citizen duty", you could be willing to do a wide range of moral and amoral activity for the same reasons. Because a state is requiring your service is not a justification that it is "righteous" to therefore do that service.

[dysfunctional press]

26. bring a good book.

that's my only advice.

[sandnsea]

27. I forgot to go once

and the sheriff called and said they were going to come pick me up and if I didn't cooperate I'd be held in contempt. I happened to be babysitting for a friend who was out of the area so they finally relented.

They should pay you something, depends on the court and your area. If you've got nothing else to do, go. It'll be good for you. Relax. Nobody else is going to know what they're doing either.

[miyazaki]

65. i was summoned, did'nt want to go, but

after I showed up at the court I had a change of mind. I hoped that I would be selected
as a juror, and not tossed as a reject. Well, they did pick me as a juror.
The case was an old timer suing his insurance company that refused his claim
over some property damage caused by a fire. One of the stipulations was that all potential jurors
were not to have any negative pre-dispositions towards insurance companies. Ha, well that's
sort of a joke because mostly everyone hates fucking insurance companies, especially me. But alas I
would remain objective.
What made it especially interesting was that this fellow was completely illiterate. And because
of this fact they tried to pull it over him with smoke and mirrors.
It took five years for this man to get his day in court. Myself and the rest of the jurors saw right
though the bullshit and we slammed the insurance company. The old guy got his money. Justice was served
and I was proud to be part of it.

[Joe the Liberal]

28. Wow thanks for the replies everyone.........

It looks like it's local, the place it tells me to go is not too far away so I'm guessing it's local and nothing big. Do I have to dress up or anything?

[Confusious]

33. You should look nice

long sleeve shirt and nice pants. You might be able to get away w/ good black jeans. I think I did.

[muddrunner17]

34. No, but I'd dress decent, but comfortable.

[Horse with no Name]

36. Dress as if it were a job interview

if you are interested in doing your civic duty.
If not, show up with your baggy pants to the knees and underwear showing.:)

[muddrunner17]

30. What it will entail will vary greatly depending

on what kind of court it is. If it is a local municipality, then you can expect it to be relatively short. On the other hand, if it were a capital punishment case it would probably be a lengthy trial. Every case varies. If you really don't want to do it you could just indicate that you have strong opinions about the case, the legal system, etc. Serving on a jury is a civic responsibility. We are lucky to be able to have our case heard by a jury of our peers.

In many legal systems, magistrates are politically appointed. Think back to your lessons of the later 1770's. In the Declaration of Independence there were a number of grievances centered around the courts. One of them was "For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury"

That is one of the many principles that has helped make our country great, and why serving on a Jury is one cost of citizenship. I hope you are able enjoy serving your country and protecting our freedom, or at least ensuring domestic tranquility.

[monmouth]

31. I loved it. One of the things that influenced me later to be a court stenographer..n/t

[Manifestor_of_Light]

71. I used to do that too!

I am a broken down former court reporter!
I lost my mind many years ago from working for lawyers and judges.

[monmouth]

98. And then the hassle of trying to get paid!...Tough work...n/t

[tridim]

32. Last time I got called I had a horrible flu..

I spent about 7 hours in a cold, dank courthouse telling everyone who would listen that I can't serve today because I'm deathly ill. They didn't care, they told me to sit down and shut up.

The only person who listened was the judge and he excused me within 30 seconds.

Oh, and they charged me $10.00 for parking, so I basically had to pay them for the experience. :mad:

[ThomWV]

35. I have been called 3 times, I'd be happy to be called again any time

You will be bored most of the time, you'll be lucky if you actually hear a trial. If you do there will be much to be learned. I think everyone should have to do it and I despise anyone who tries to get out of it.

[Patsy Stone]

37. Bring a book

Be prepared to sit around for hours.

In Miami they show you bad movies while you wait to be called. Something like "You've Got Mail" or "Sleepless in Seattle".

[barbtries]

38. nothing to be afraid of

read the summons and follow the instructions. be part of it all!

[InvisibleTouch]

39. I used to be freaked out by this possibility as well...

...to the point where I didn't vote in the first election for which I was eligible (Dukakis vs. Poppy Bush), because I knew that jurors are drawn from the pool of registered voters, and I was afraid I would get picked. Don't know what kind of horror I imagined it would have been, but that was my "reasoning." After that election, my undergrad physics professor asked the class who voted, and maybe about a third of the hands went up. He said, "Those of you who didn't vote have no right to complain for the next four years." I did vote in the next election.

And by now, I think a stint of jury duty would be quite interesting. A friend of mine who's an ex-cop said I'd be very unlikely to be picked, though, because I'm intelligent and can follow reason and logic (his assessment). He said lawyers tend to not like intelligent jurors and try to get them dismissed. So maybe you won't have to worry about it at all.... :)

[Raine]

40. I got stuck doing it a couple of times, I hated it.

One term I never got picked which I was glad of the next time I did. I ended up hanging up the jury (yeah I was real popular for that :eyes: ) I don't like deciding other people's fate so the whole thing was agony for me. :-(

[FloriTexan]

41. What's the problem?

You are over 18 - you are an adult. Neither your employer nor school is allowed to keep you from serving. If you are a single mom or caregiver there are usually ways to legally opt out; but why wouldn't you want to go? It may be a non-event or you could end up getting selected for some really interesting trial.

Be careful what you say in the courtroom if you are trying to get out of serving though. I once worked for a criminal defense attorney and we had a trial set the same day I was to serve. My boss told me to please try to get out of it because he needed me in court, and well, being an attorney he knew there really wasn't much to do about it. He told me if its a DWI case to tell the attorneys during voir dire that I didn't agree with the law that .10 blood alcohol level meant someone was drunk, that it depended on weight, etc. Well, it was a DWI case and I agreed with that argument so I used it. The defense attorney loved me and wanted to keep me on the panel and possibly select me for the jury but the prosecutor wanted to strike me, i.e., kick me out. They got into arguments over it, they started saying things like I was breaking the law by not following the law which was when I started to second guess what happened. My boss hadn't prepared me for this! The judge called me, the prosecutor and the defense attorney to the bench (i.e., his desk) for an off-the-record consultation. I've never been more embarrassed in my life. Another thing my boss didn't prepare me for....when you fill out the information card which the attorneys use to select their jury panel, they ask you where you work. The judge, and both counsel recognized my boss and one of them actually knew he had a court date that morning and started throwing that around. Bottom line, they let me go but it wasn't worth it the ruse.

Go and enjoy and learn from the experience. Since that experience I gladly serve. I once got picked on a murder case that lasted a week, I got paid twice, once by my employer and then the per diem for my jury service. I got a whole week off work and an experience that I will never forget.

[NYC_SKP]

42. GO! They need good people. I served two weeks ago, you gotta go.

I'm in California too.

It's done differently in different parts of the state but I had a letter, was supposed to call on a given date near New Years Day.

Usually, you call and your group doesn't even get asked to come to the court. But you have to call!

I forgot to call, so had to appear in the jury duty room.

Waited around until my group was called, the judge asked if anyone was going to want to be excused.

Those who didn't took home a questionnaire created by the defense and prosecution, and asked to return with it the next week.

I asked to be excused because I'm primary caregiver for two aged parents.

I'm done until 2011.

So, go do it, please!

[Betty88]

44. I have been called 4 times

I don't mind it at all, bring a book.

Last time I got chosen and put on a jury that lasted 3 weeks. It was great, my job pays, so to me it was the longest break I have had from work in the last 10 years. Half the time the judge let us go early and come in late, I was in heaven.

Just go and relax

[Turbineguy]

45. It's a great way to learn something about how the system works

It's not very dificult. When I got called up they showed us a movie with Raymond Burr telling us what was expected of us. That's right, the straight scoop direct from Perry Mason.

I got to be on the Jury for a car crash lawsuit. My neighbor got a juicy murder. Ours ended in a mistrial because one idiot Juror talked to another Judge's Secretary about the case. The murder case ended in a "not guilty".

Follow the instructions.

Bring something to do while you sit a wait.

[dansolo]

121. I learned how bad some public defenders can be

I served on a jury once as an alternate. It was a double murder case, and the trial lasted three days. The defendant may or may not have been directly involved in the actual murder. There were a lot of confusing aspects to the case, like the fact that the defendant's name was the same as the primary defendant's nick name, and none of the eyewitness testimony placed him at the scene during the crime. The public defender didn't even try to raise any reasonable doubt about any direct involvement by the defendant. The case was a weak circumstantial case. Unfortunately, since I was selected as an alternate, I was excused when it was time for the jury to deliberate.

[all.of.me]

46. I got out because I am a self-employed single mom.

I wrote them and said I could not afford not to work (they pay like $15/day or something insanely stupid like that), and who would take care of my kids and get them to school and so on. I have gotten off twice this way.

Jury duty here, as far as I understand, is that you are on call. You call the court every day at 7:30 AM and see if they need you. Frequently they don't. Friends have said you go and sit all day waiting to be interviewed or whatever. Sometimes nothing happens, sometimes you sit on a jury for a day or two. You're on call for a month or 6 weeks.

I live in a very small community, so trials here are few and far between. The big ones for murder are generally just a few days. It's all the waiting that takes up so much time.

[madaboutharry]

47. I have been called twice and was excused because

I had small children and was the primary caretaker with no family living in the same city.

My mom served on two juries in criminal trials which were pretty interesting. One case a guy was getting prosecuted for allegedly stealing a pair of flip flops from Thrify drug store in L.A. They acquitted him. The other case was a rape case. The guy was convicted and got a long sentence.

I think it would be a good experience for a young person to serve on a jury.

[Not Me]

49. I've done it twice in Orlando/Orange County

They really take good care of prospective jurors. Free phones, a computer lounge/internet, TV's, and a small cafeteria. Free parking too.
They have a day to get you onto a case, if that doesn't happen, they send you home with a 1 year pass for future calls.

They are extremely respectful of the jury pool and leave you feeling like you have done something special by participating.

[calico1]

50. Don't blow off jury duty...

I did the first time I was called. Tried the "I never got it" excuse. Ended up paying a $90 fine.

This was about 20 years ago.

I have since been called twice more.

Where I go they have a room you wait in that has a TV. I took the advice of some friends and also brought along a book. The first time there were two trials they were picking juries for. I got let go at the end of the day..

Second time it was only one trial so I was dismissed at noon.

My comapany paid me for jury duty. Don't know what happens if you are not working..

Just go. It's no big deal. I wish I had gone the first time.

[johnfunk]

51. I love doing jury duty...

... in fact, I caused a minor inconvenience for a major national bank during my last jury duty.

It was a credit card default lawsuit: Megabank X vs. Jane Doe (names changed to protect both guilty parties), who they claimed owed about $7,000. She was too broke to afford a lawyer, and defended herself "pro se." She did not admit to owing the bill even though it was clear that she'd been laid off in '06 and could no longer afford the bill. Bank's sleazy collection lawyer who probably pulled the name off a list attorney brought in paperwork, affadavits, etc. She argued quite effectively that she'd never been shown any information on just exactly how Megabank and the lawyer arrived at their numbers.

Upon our initial deliberations, the vote was 10 to 2 to convict. I was one of the dissenters. Foreman went around the table asking each person to state their sentiment; when it came my turn, I made three simple points:

• The judge mentioned on three or four occasions this was a contract case;
• Every time you apply for a credit card, you sign a contract;
• I expressed doubt about the entire case based on the fact that counsel for the plaintiff failed to provide any signed original agreement -- which means that counsel for the plaintiff failed to prove there was an agreement, because to my mind just showing a bunch of outstanding bills does not establish a cntract

Light bulbs went off over a few heads, and a civilized brouhaha ensued. Interestingly, all of the jurors being polled after me suddenly had doubts about the case based on that issue. It took about two hours, but the final two "guilty" holdouts finally conceded that the lawyer failed to establish a contract.

The counsel for Megabank and judge looked shocked when we returned a not guilty verdict (so did the defendant). The judge polled us all. I was last, and said -- looking at Megabank's mouthpiece-- "Your honor, not a signed contract in sight, not guilty." Megabank's lawyer looked like he was about to have a tantrum, and the judge nodded her head.

Score one for the little guy.

[Hannah Bell]

89. that's why people need to do jury duty. one of the few places where direct democracy still

exists.

[corpseratemedia]

53. I was a juror in a murder trial at your age

it was a transformative experience. It was shocking, but I'm so glad now I got to have a very positive impact on the family that suffered their relative's fate. Years after I'd see my fellow jurors and we'd wave and say hey.

Ditto what many have said, it's your civic duty, and they can arrest you if you don't respond.

After that, I did get called two more times. One time for some reason I was dismissed and the next time after that I said I had a physical problem, which I did. So I was able to get dismissed. I talked to the judge privately the second time, I mean going up to his bench.

Gotta warn you though, I didn't get "the talk" because I had served before, but many people who wanted to get out and hadn't served did get the guilty tongue lashing.

They'll probably dismiss you, most are, but if not, could probably be a civil trial, do your duty, really you will grow from it!

And you do get paid, not a lot, at that time it was 12 dollars a day in my state.

[NancyG]

54. I hung a jury.

I told the other jurors in the jury room that there were two choices. Hung or not guilty as I was not going to vote guilty. Pissed off a lot of people. There's the Power of One, if you choose it.

[rug]

56. .

:thumbsup:

[Raine]

84. I hung a jury too

(refused to vote guilty) the other jurors hated me ... whatever. :shrug:

[alcibiades_mystery]

105. Good on you!

:thumbsup:

[treestar]

55. No biggie, just go, and you'll be a part of the jury pool

If you get picked for a jury, you just hear the facts and decide who has met the burden of proof.

It is one's civic duty. Like voting. It is one of your few chances to put you rinpjut in on the system.

[backscatter712]

57. I got called earlier this month.

I ended up hanging out in the jury assembly room for the morning - two of the cases that needed juries got canceled - one (IIRC) got settled at the last minute, and the other one was a felony case where the defendant didn't bother to show up - those jurors got excused, and the judge sent sheriffs deputies to go get him. I ended up not getting called - so I just read a book for a few hours. That's what happens to most people summoned - they don't get called to an actual trial, so it's just a hurry-up-and-wait routine for the day.

That said, I do believe jury duty is indeed a duty we all must take when called to it. Suck it up, citizen!

[DutchLiberal]

58. Luckily, in my country we don't have such a backward judicial system...

That means no jury's. If I were living in the US and got summoned for jury duty, I wouldn't go. I would cite conscience objections; say my conscience forbids me to participate in such a corrupt practice. What do I know about laws and justice? I'm not a lawyer, nor a judge. Let a professional handle it. I don't see why the butcher, the postman, the cable guy and the McDonald's employee should decide whether or not someone goes to jail for 40 years --or worse. I wouldn't want to bear such a responsibility. It makes no sense.

[corpseratemedia]

60. 6th amendment US Constitution Bill of Rights

going back to English Common Law and the Magna Carta

right to an impartial jury

[DutchLiberal]

68. We have a right to three impartial judges. Sounds like a better deal to me.

By the way, I've read a thing or two(hundred) about jury's, and the thing is: they're not really impartial. They're being manipulated all the time, and it already begins with selecting who gets to be on the jury.

[corpseratemedia]

113. I wanted to clarify something for Dutch Liberal

I was on a jury in 1986 to decide whether a husband had committed 2nd degree murder or manslaughter in shooting his wife in the head 4 times.

That was the choice given to us.

Our jury was a true cross-section of our city at the time. The husband and wife were African-American, and we had jury comprised of mixed enthnicities, including several African-Americans. Two of us were attending university (summer break) and we had both college educated professionals and non-college HS and tech grads on our jury.

The husband was a wife-batterer who was escalating his violence against his wife, in front of their 3 children. She was calling the police and he was arrested but let go twice.

At the time of the murder, he had recently been fired. She was working, but he had spent the weekend before beating and terrorizing her. The police did not hold the husband over that weekend.

As I remember a couple days after that weekend of brutality, he hid from her view on their patio landing as she was coming home from her work and surprised her so that he could shoot and kill her. HE TESTIFIED HIMSELF THAT THE REASON HE MURDERED HER WAS BECAUSE HE THOUGHT SHE WAS CHEATING.

It was a very sad experience for the families. The murdered wife's family really wanted justice because as they had testified also he had had a long history of abusing her.

We spent a couple of hours (not long but that was because he had testified himself to murdering her) deliberating. We had a great foreman who really stuck to what the judge requested we do when deliberating. Although one person had thought he may have not intended to murder her, we came to a unamimous conclusion and found him guilty of 2nd degree murder. He got as I recall something like an 8 to 30 year sentence, which the judge decided.

Personally, I find some abusive POS wife-beater who lies (sp) in wait like a skunk to blow the head off the helpless terrorized mother of his children to be first degree murder. To me he received a light sentence for the hell he put his wife and kids though.

Having a MA myself, and considering myself to have decent judgement, I did NOT find our jury to have been manipulated in voir dire or during the trial. We weren't made up of the dumbest people in society, or people who would sway the court one way or another, and nobody broke the rules regarding talking about the case.

Frankly, in this particular instance, since I was actually there, our jury system worked to the best that it could. Maybe the next time if I hadn't been dismissed or excused it would have been a different experience. But that was the reality in that courtroom in 1986.

Not only that, I was proud to have served on this case, because it was this case and a slew of other domestic violence/murder cases in our city in the late '80's that led to changes regarding how our police deal with domestic-violence and it's escalation to murder. Our battered women now can go anonymously to safe-houses, etc. It's great when an individual can be a part of a change for the better esp. regarding spousal abuse.

And also, I take the view, since I have worked with "at risk" people, that the "common" person may have more insight into certain circumstances, may have a more profound understanding of what justice would really be, than upper class professionals who may never have personally experienced what they have to judge.

Some of the butchers and food service workers, whoever you mentioned, were my best students. That means that it is poverty and class immobility, not their judgement, that is the problem.

That's wonderful that you've read so much regarding juries, and in some respect perhaps I may not disagree with you. However, you must admit that you yourself were not in that courtroom in 1986. Your sweeping judgements and accusation of corruption was not the case in that instance.

[DutchLiberal]

139. Long story short: your own one-time experience isn't representative...

I'm sorry, but it isn't.

And the fact still remains the guy would have been send to prison for a loooong time anyway. A judge (of three judges) would have come to the same conclusion as the jury, I have no doubt. But in most cases, I think justice is better served when it's left to those who have studied for it, instead of you and me.

[liberalpress]

102. Our system here is different in a good way

We are to be judged by a jury of our peers to prevent us from being railroaded by our government. Is there evidence (in criminal trials) beyond reasonable doubt that we did that of which we are accused? It is up to the government to prove that we did. If they cannot, then our peers will release us. Power to the people. Amen.

[DutchLiberal]

140. Juries get manipulated all the time. Why not have two or more judges decide?

Always make sure you have judges from different backgrounds, from different regions, age, etc. and they can give an impartial judgment about whether or not someone is guilty. And then there's always the possibility to get the judge of the case, whenever the defendant thinks there's a conflict of interest.

I know I would be much more at ease being judged by them, than by a collection of my 'peers'. There are too many ignorant people out there I don't want to be put at random on a jury deciding my fate.

[dixiegrrrrl]

112. How do trials work in your country?

Are defendants represented?
and etc....


color me very curious.

[DutchLiberal]

142. I'll explain:

The Public Prosecutor (or DA) will try to prove the defendant guilty. The defendant, of course, is represented by his lawyer. This can be the lawyer he has hired himself, or he gets one allotted if he can't pay for one. The court is usually made up of three different judges. If the defendant feels there's evidence of a conflict of interest with one of the judges in his case, his lawyer can have the judge replaced. Both the PP (DA) and the defendant will make their cases. They call on experts and witnesses to bear testimony, if necessary. Then the court retreats, comes to a decision, reads the verdict (guilty or not guilty) and, in case guilty, speaks out the sentence. If the defendant wants to, his lawyer can give notice of appeal two times, meaning he can take his client's case to another (higher) court two times.

I hope I explained it clear enough. :)

[rockymountaindem]

124. I've heard that in the Dutch legal system the burden of proof is on the defense

Is that true? If so, I'd rather go with the US system.

[Blue Dog Dominion]

133. I've heard that if you are found guilty they give you a Dutch Oven

P U.

[DutchLiberal]

143. That's not true. The burden of proof is on the Public Prosecutor (or DA).

[rockymountaindem]

146. Guess I was misinformed then

Glad I asked.

[DutchLiberal]

148. No problem.

:hi:

[gristy]

59. You should be honored you have been asked

I expect that you will find serving on a jury to be intellectually stimulating and socially fulfilling.

[SergeyDovlatov]

61. Don't forget about Jury Nullification concept

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_nullification

You don't have to convict if you believe the law is unjust

[razors edge]

63. And if you tell

the prosecutor you understand nullification, he will send you on your way.

[SergeyDovlatov]

79. good point. so ...

if you want to get out of jury duty, tells them you are aware of jury nullification.
if you want to help the justice system, don't tell, and act as you conscience tell you.

[alcibiades_mystery]

106. Nobody gets out that easy...they just send you to civil trials

[L0oniX]

118. You can even do a Simpson ...not guilty because it's pay back time.

[customerserviceguy]

62. I've done jury duty

and was lucky, my employer paid me in full for the time I was serving. If you don't have such an arrangement, then that is the only reason I can see for justifiably ducking jury duty, but if you can afford it, do it. It will open your eyes to a part of the justice system from a unique perspective.

[UTUSN]

64. Questions: Why do you need HELP?!1 Are you a CITIZEN doing your DUTY?!1 n/t

[marions ghost]

66. If you went you might get picked--

from my experience they try hard to find people who are as close to clueless about as much as possible. If you do want to do it, play very dumb. If you come off as reasonably intelligent, connected with a university, or you are a certain type of professional (especially a psychologist), you will be leaving the courthouse in very short order. Your services will NOT be required.

You have to show up but they can't really force you to serve against your will. I have seen people get out of it by going to the selection process and telling them they're on medication, or they are simply disturbed by being there, or they don't believe in "the system." (Saying you have job or school obligations is not enough--you have to conscientiously object to being there).

In my case it was this way: After serving on a jury a couple of times I came to the conclusion that I do not believe in the jury system for non-criminal cases. I think that it's a waste of everybody's time and money. Most people don't want to do it, and the lawyers kick everybody off who they think has half a brain. The jury system is antiquated and juries make big mistakes all the time. We need to leave civil and small claims cases to Judge Judy. That would be far better, no matter what it's about. (Criminal is another matter--and the "jury of peers" tends to work better in those cases).

Anyway the third time around I just told the court that, after serving in it, I have no faith in the jury system for non-criminal cases and therefore I cannot be a good juror. No problem. My name is off the list permanently. It's not hard to get out of it after you show up. But go ahead and do it if you want to see how bad the courts really are these days...that can be educational. In that sense I recommend everyone do it at least once. And then get out of it forever after.

We need a new system.

[gristy]

69. my experience was very different

I am pretty smart (if I do say so myself), with a BS and MS in engineering, and I answered the interview questions honestly. I was not excused by either the prosecution or the defense. It was an interesting week.

[marions ghost]

73. how many jurors were run through before you were selected?

if they're getting down to the wire they may have to go with those they'd rather not. :)

[Raine]

85. I agree with you

I hate the system and after hanging up a jury that I got stuck on (cause the prosecuter said he would take the panel that had been called "as is") I refuse to ever be on a jury again.

[Hannah Bell]

92. i wasn't asked a single question about my education, & i was impressed by the seriousness

of my fellow jurors, who came from all walks of life.

i'd trust my fate to them before i'd trust a random judge or group of "professionals".

[Raine]

96. Your fellow jurors were different

than mine. I wouldn't trust them for the time of day, if I had to go on trial I would definitely ask for a judge. I remember the jurors sitting around waiting to get on a panel and claiming they'd be able to tell by someone's look etc. that they were guilty. Then when they were called up to be questioned claim they had no bias. I came away very disillusioned and disgusted. :-(

[marions ghost]

123. Sounds like you and I

could trade jury horror stories, Raine.

Absolutely I'm with you about choosing a judge (no jury) if possible.

Thanks for weighing in. I realize my opinion is not a popular one, as people like to think the system works, and they may have had one or two experiences that went OK.

I would be more in favor of the system if the lawyers were not able to hand pick the jury and everyone who agreed to do it was on it, no matter what their occupation or background. It could make all the difference in the world. The way it is, a lot of time and money is wasted while lawyers jerk everybody around trying to pack it the way they want it. And then you've got 12 people who are supposed to agree. Jurors who might differ from the pack are always persuaded to give in because everyone wants to go home. There's no way this is fair to those seeking justice.

Like I said, though, it's an educational experience because everyone needs to see how the system is gamed on a daily basis. For civil cases it's very antiquated and I argue does not work well. There are legal people who will agree, though they won't say it very publicly.

[marions ghost]

125. OK let me be clear--I'm not saying that people

with less education (or who are not "professionals") are NOT smart. Oh no, don't get me wrong. I don't underestimate the intelligence of anyone who may not have a bunch of degrees. My Dad is extremely perceptive and smart, but he has no college degree. However if you DO have advanced education, that's one of the first things that lawyers look for to eliminate you from the jury. I don't have any statistics on it, but they DO study the personality profiles of people who are more likely to hang up a jury.

Like you, I'd rather see a jury made up of people from all walks of life, but actually they aren't. In even the pettiest of civil cases the lawyer can select those who he knows from experience, will give him the result he needs.

A good judge is MUCH more objective.

[DutchLiberal]

145. If they pack the juries with "the most clueless people", then why do you think it works best...

in criminal cases???

[marions ghost]

155. Ok well

I would prefer that jury selection was eliminated in either case. Just seat whoever is eligible and be done with it. So after screening for obvious incompetence, then there would be no further selection based on likely outcomes relative to occupation or personality profile. Get a REAL mix of citizens.

I think juries work better in criminal cases because when you are considering the fate of someone committing a crime with the likelihood of going to prison, it makes sense to spend the time and money to seat a jury and allow an opportunity for a much longer trial with more deliberation (by more people). Since the judge and the jury share the responsibility for the verdict it gives people the feeling that "justice" was done--it wasn't just one opinion-- more important in a criminal case. But even so, I would prefer a smaller jury, maybe 7 or 9.

It's ridiculous to waste time and money on juries in small potatoes civil cases. Most people resent having to do jury duty anyway. All this does is allow more opportunity for legal maneuvering by money-grubbing lawyers with, I'm sorry to say, not always the best ethics. Get good judges and streamline the system. It's antiquated. Save juries for more important cases.

Also I would add that there needs to be changes in the laws so that some of the more severe civil cases are treated differently. White collar crime needs to be redefined, so that you would try the bigger civil cases more like criminal cases, meaning with the option of juries. When somebody has injured someone badly or destroyed their life by some non-violent but nefarious means this should not be equated to Judge Judy cases. This is criminality and needs to be treated as such.

Lawyers would still make money but they'd have to really work for it with bigger cases, not mine every minor dispute for bucks. I'm talking about all the lesser junk that is clogging up the courts.

Thanks for the question.:)

[handmade34]

67. learn to knit...

it can be a great experience, civic duty, time to reflect, I learned a lot when I sat on three trials and felt like I played an important part...

[Blue_In_AK]

72. You should go.

It's no big deal. I haven't had to serve, but I've been called several times. Mostly it's a lot of sitting around waiting -- so take a book.

[SoCalDem]

76. Go.. You'll probably get dismissed after one day there, and if you do get chosen

you might not make the cut..but you'll have done your civic duty and be off the hook for a year :)

They pay you, but it's a pittance..

Take a good book and chat with some nice people you may never have met otherwise..

[.... callchet ....]

77. Was it a certified letter ?

[Joe the Liberal]

80. It sure is.....

It's legit,that part I'm sure, so I'll be going, the letter says they pay you $50 too.

[Oregone]

78. Ive never done it, but...

You can just answer the question with absurd answer about relative morality and your complete lack of respect for social law.

I got out of it by deferring it until I left the country.

[alarimer]

81. If you are in college, you probably don't have to do it.

At least if you are a fulltime student.

[Mz Pip]

82. I've served on 2 juries

Both were Civil suits involving lots of money. We got paid $15 a day plus milage one way (go figure). The last jury I served on had a young woman who just turned 18. She was really surprised to not just get the summons, but to get picked.

We are entitled to be judged by a jury of our peers, though in all honesty, there were people on one of the juries I served on who I would never ever want to be facing as a defendant.

[Hannah Bell]

86. i got called 3 times, served once. it was a great experience, i don't regret the time spent.

if you want to know what democracy could be like, try jury duty.

[sohndrsmith]

88. Respectful thanks to EVERYONE who responded with: Go. It's your civic duty. n/t

[taught_me_patience]

90. Bring a book... there is a lot of waiting around n/t.

[VOX]

91. You should go. It's an inconvenience, sure, but it's one way our system of government works...

And, as stated upthread, it's your -- our -- civic duty. If you should get called to serve on a case, you might find it very interesting.

[Undercurrent]

93. Congratulations!

I was called, and rejected up front because I'm a manic depressive. No matter that it is well controlled with medication, and diet. I felt bad, and must be on the permanent reject list, because I was never called again.

But my dad has served many times. Once for a murder trial. He said it was a scene right out of "12 Angry Men", and he was the hold-out who finally convinced everyone the evidence didn't add up.

[krabigirl]

94. I feel for you. I have yet to be called, and I hope I never do.

Shoot me, but I just don't believe in the jury system at all.

My husband ha to go next week, may not get picked, but if he does, his company is screwed. He is a business owner (co-owner) and tey can't really run things without him.

[krabigirl]

95. I feel for you. I have yet to be called, and I hope I never do.

Shoot me, but I just don't believe in the jury system at all.

My husband ha to go next week, may not get picked, but if he does, his company is screwed. He is a business owner (co-owner) and tey can't really run things without him.

[Jeanette in FL]

97. I am always amazed by these discussions about jury duty

Every time there is a verdict read, you will hear so many people discussing how wrong the jury is and if they had been on the case they would have found the defendant guilt/innocent. Yet the same people will find numerous ways of getting out of jury duty every time they are called.

It is our civic duty to participate in the judicial system.

I've been called twice and both times were dismissed by one side or the other. It is a very interesting experience.

You need to go and you will feel proud that you did.

As others said, bring something to read, there is a lot of hurry up and wait in this system.

[onethatcares]

100. and since you live in Florida,

don't forget the $15.00 you get paid for the day.

I just got done not being picked. Wasn't too bad a day.

[alcibiades_mystery]

107. Thank you...well said

The level of hatred for simple social processes in remarkable. "Oh, MY life will be 'inconvenienced.'" they say.

Well, FUCK YOU. We're trying to have a democratic society here, if ya hadn't noticed.

[negativenihil]

103. Jury duty is a part of being a citizen

don't stress at all, and just answer any questions honestly.

sometimes you get picked, sometimes you don't.

i really dislike the concept of trying to "get out" of jury duty because EVERYONE deserves a fair trial by peers. you'd want one if you were in the defendant's position. besides, once you're done (picked or not) they can't use you again for a while (this may depend on your state, here its for 3 years)

[Initech]

136. I got called twice but didn't get on either case.

Didn't have to make an excuse. Sometimes the judge will dismiss you even if you get called.

[Renew Deal]

109. Go, unless you have school.

You should go. If you are in college, let them know that you can't attend. Otherwise, it's a pretty cool experience even though it can be a drag on your schedule.

[noamnety]

110. I got called last year

for the first time.

I wrote a letter saying I'm a public school teacher, my school is pressed for funds, and the sub budget was almost nonexistent. I asked to have it rescheduled for summer. They did reschedule - but for June when school was in session still, just in time for when I was trying to review finals for my kids. :(

They had wireless internet service for the jurors, so I was able to bring a laptop and I spent the time surfing DU. I remember that there was one particularly outrageous news story that day (I forgot the specifics now), and I showed it to other people around me on my monitor.

Halfway through day one, we were divided into two groups, it was already kind of late for my lunch time, I was hungry. The other group got sent off to go have lunch. They all looked sooo happy to be in the early lunch group, and I felt dejected. After that group had cleared the area, my group was then told we were all dismissed completely. HA!

It was a great way for them to handle the dismissal because each group felt like the lucky ones. I don't know if the other group even figured out what happened, because when they returned, they might have assumed we were all in cases or off to lunch at that point.

Check their website to see if they have internet service for you, if you have a laptop. Also check the dress code - our courts locally do have a dress code, you aren't allowed to wear blue jeans, for example. We went to observe a friend's case once, and my daughter was not allowed in because she was wearing jeans - we ran to a department store across the street and buy a skirt for her. Joke was on the court, cause my daughter doesn't shave her legs. :D

[aikoaiko]

117. Where I live, men are required to wear buttoned shirt and tie.

Mostly you can expect to be bored and not sit on a jury, but it happens. You will get a civics lesson, you get to listen to lawyers, and if you actually deliberate you should follow the Judges instructions and evaluate the evidence shown to you in terms of the law.

[goclark]

119. In CA you must show up and check in

unless you have gotten a medical excuse or the excuse you for a family emergency.

I have been excused permanently because I am the sole care giver for my parent.

Money~ depends on the State I believe but it is not enough to buy groceries.

Don't even think about the money, think about your civic duty.

The money may get you a dinner at McDonald's as I recall.

[southernyankeebelle]

120. Yep

My husband was on jury duty. First he had to go to a big meeting. The only way you can get out of it is financial hardship and medical reasons. My husband was on duty for 3 months but not everyday. He had to call in for the day. When you go you have to sit and wait. Sometimes you get on the jury and sometimes not.. It was boring he said.

[slackmaster]

126. Congratulations! I've been called eight times, served on three trial juries.

The first time I was called, I was 18 and got immediately dismissed. That's likely to happen to any young person.

I hope you go and embrace the experience. All you have to do is show up on time, behave yourself, and answer all questions honestly. The proces will guide you.

I've learned a lot about the justice system by going to JD.

[Cleita]

128. I've gotten summoned three times but each time have been put on standby

for twenty four hours and then released and told I had fulfilled my duty for a year. I didn't even have to leave my house and just followed my jury status online. Since I don't where you live you should contact the court house and ask them what to do as there are different rules for different counties and states.

[NoPasaran]

129. I've gotten three summons in the last ten years

One of the many wonderful things about where I live is that we can do a lot of the preliminary jury response stuff online, so the "cattle call" where hundreds of people have to show up to be assigned to jury pools or to ask for exemptions or delays in service have become a thing of the past. You only have to show up when you've actually made it into a jury panel and there's a real chance you'll be there for a trial.

Anyway, the first time I reported for jury duty, the trial involved a lawsuit against the small business where I then worked. Needless to say, the judge excused me from the panel.

The second time, I actually ended up on a jury in city court. The trial was a short one; the defendant was charged with public intoxication and we found him not guilty.

The third time, I was able to claim an excuse because it was less than a year since I had served on a jury.

[blaze]

130. Greeley, Colorado pulled people off the street

because too many people were no shows for jury duty!!

http://thinkoutsidethecage2.blogspot.com/2008/01/pulled-in-off-streets-for-jury-duty-in.html

"McMillan was picking up a few things at the grocery store and trying to get to work when she was approached by a court administrator who told she had to drop everything and go to the courthouse to serve.

She was one of nearly 70 people walking around downtown Greeley who were summoned to emergency jury duty Wednesday morning after many people who were summoned by mail six weeks ago didn't show up."

[OswegoAtheist]

131. I've been tapped twice

Both times, the defendant pled out before the trial, so I never actually had to go. Pity, since I was looking forward to it.

Oswego "And George W. Bush must be tried for war crimes" Atheist

[Duer 157099]

132. ME TOO!!

I was shocked to get the summons, havne't gotten one for so many years I've forgotten how long, but over a decade.

It's FUN! You absolutely MUST do it if you can manage it! Trust me, it's an experience not to be missed. The worst case is that you sit in the waiting area the whole time and never even get called for a jury, and then it's just time to read or listen to an ipod or something, or people watch.

But if you get on a jury, then it's fun and interesting.

Highly recommend, and if you do it, post back about your experience.

Good luck!

I'll be doing it too at the same time

[Initech]

135. Use the Homer Simpson strategy:

"The trick is to say you're predjudice against all races." :evilgrin:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

141. Use it as a learning experience.

Take a good book to read, arrive 15-20 minutes early and settle in. You'll be called in for screening by juror number. At least that's how they do it here.

Each county has it's own payment system. I think ours is a flat daily 10-15 dollar thing, I can't recall the exact amount.

And by all means, GO. It's easier that way.

[lunatica]

144. It's no big deal. Usually you don't even have to go to the courthouse

At least here in California you call a number and they tell you whether to show up or not. And usually it's for criminal court, but not for murder or capital punishment.

[DutchLiberal]

147. You should really see the movie 'Runaway Jury'...

(Yes, yes, I know it's fiction! But the way both sides 'sort out' the jury isn't a stretch from reality, at least from what I've read.)

[gkhouston]

154. Chill. Take a book, a sweater, and small monies for the vending machines.

Chances are you won't be seated on a jury. If you are, most trials are brief. And you will probably be entertained (unintentionally) by the other jurors. I served earlier this year. The only person on our panel who wanted to be picked wasn't selected and she was a couple of crayons short of a box but an interesting piece of work. While we were waiting in the juror assembly room, she kept telling us about her life while mostly referring to herself in the third person and discussing how she'd caught her ex-husband cheating on her and had rubbed the inside of his jeans with poison ivy and put laxatives in his food. After listening to her for a while, I decided it was a good thing the cheating husband left when he did, otherwise she probably would have poisoned him. Damn, but you see/hear everything on jury duty!

I would strongly advise against skipping jury duty. If you can legitimately claim an exemption and wish to do so; fine, but don't skip out. In some localities, they will arrest your ass. I've been summoned 10-12 times and have served once, for four days.