Jury Duty and a quick trip to the LHS

[davekelly]

fiverings,

I agree totally.

tw,

Yes, ti does make you wonder. But I think the biggest penalty of shirking jury duty is missing it itself. I totally was awed when I was on a jury once - the defendant was charged with a petty crime, and although the evidence went beyond "the reasonable doubt" standard I can report that every juror (folks from all walks of life) was very serious in reviewing the evidence, comparing testimony and making sure that the decision that was reached was correct. Sitting on that jury gave me a renewed faith in my fellow man (and woman).

[Jetrock]

While I'm not eager to be picked for jury duty, I certainly wouldn't mind getting picked for one. I haven't so far because so far I haven't been summoned for a case where my particular set of beliefs didn't cause a problem for the court in some form. I really do believe in jury nullification (there is plenty of legal backup on this), I really do believe in the right to keep and bear arms--but some lawyers tend to assume things about you when you say that. One attorney even called into doubt my ability to be objective about a defendant who was homosexual because I am an NRA member, who are stereotyped as conservative straight white guys! (Well, to be honest, most of us are, but there are groups like the "Pink Pistols," all-gay shooting clubs!)

I was raised believing in the importance of civic duty, coupled with the importance of honesty. If a judge/attorney decides they can live with me in my non-demographically-correct political/social glory, I'd be happy to serve on the jury--but I'll still scribble track plans in the jury wating room...

[dharmon]

I can honestly say that I have never had to stand jury duty, probably because I haven't lived in my resident county for some time. But I have had the unfortunate opportunity to serve on the panel for a Court Martial and conducted Mast (Non-Judicial Punishment for the USN/USMC types..not sure what the Army calls it) which is sort of like a precursor to CM for lessor offenses, where I was essentially the judge. Neither are fun, but certainly enlightening to the legal system and the human condition.

[Anonymous]

Good timing. I have to report for jury duty again this Tuesday. My forth so far in 12 years. I haven't been chosen yet for a jury due to either knowing the plaintive, the defendent or the attorney is also my attorney. If picked, I'll do my part, but there are some beliefs, that I will not sway from, and may seen unfair to others, but not to me.

SouthForkRR

[chateauricher]

I work night-shift, so on my way home from work Wednesday (Mar 3) morning, I stopped at the post office to pick up a certified letter (the notice had been delivered the day before). Lo and behold, what do I find ? [?] A summons for jury duty !!! [:O] My first.

Now, this is something I've actually always wanted to experience so I wasn't upset about it and was looking forward to a new and exciting experience. That is, until I saw the date I had to be at the courthouse. I will be out of the country to attend my neice's wedding for 10 days in mid-April. The summons is for the Monday of that week. [:(] So, I phoned the sherrif's office (being in Canada, I'm not sure what the American equivalent would be), and told them my problem. As long as I can provide proof that I will be out of the country, I can change to another session (probably September). After having read this string of posts only a few hours before, I found it to be a very strange co-incidence.

I guess my "exciting learning experience" will have to wait.[:(][sigh]

[davekelly]

Southfork,

Having strong beliefs is everyone's right. I don't think that is unfair at all. If you disclose those beliefs, then you are being totally fair to both sides. Those that make up "beliefs" or fail to disclose them are the ones that are being unfair.