Jury Summons
#32
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,220
Re: Jury Summons
I have received a letter that says that I have been randomly selected to be a juror some time in January. I thought this was a bit odd since I am not even allowed to vote. After reading the whole document I think that I am not qualified because I'm not a US citizen (I would have to have a US passport to be a US citizen, right? ) But being part of a jury is an experience that I wouldn't mind having, do you think I could just turn up and hope that they don't check and let me be part of it or should I just let them know that I don't think I'm qualified.. I would really like to do it ..
(In best Micheal Caine voice).."I cant think of any reason to want to be on a jury ....except that you're bloody nosy."
#35
Re: Jury Summons
That isn't fair.. you get invited and you don't want to attend and I get invited and would love to go but I'm not allowed to..
#38
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Re: Jury Summons
I've been called three times but not selected. Spent all day at the courthouse sitting around and not being picked. So even if you're called it doesn't guarantee you will serve.
#39
Re: Jury Summons
Really? Is that how it works?!!.. I guess they have to cover their own backs and make sure they'll have enough jurors if some people don't turn up..
#40
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Re: Jury Summons
No they pick 12 jurors plus alternates. The selection process can take two sometimes more days, you hang around for hours with dozens of others and end up being dismissed.
#41
Re: Jury Summons
So about 2 days to get selected and then the court case can go on for any length of time? It sounds like to be a juror you have to put your life on hold indefinitely..
#42
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,717
Re: Jury Summons
Thats a valid point. If your ever unlucky enough to find yourself at trial, you probably will not be facing your peers - unless you stack shelves, flip burgers, don't work, can leave your job for extended periods of time. Most professionals would be eligible to be excused, and I would imagine would choose to do so. Jury duty does not pay well
#43
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,583
Re: Jury Summons
I don't get summoned any more but if you can prove hardship you may be excused, and the bulk of those on BE can be excused as non citizens or for being over 70
#44
Re: Jury Summons
Not being able to speak English gets you out of it too.. I can always say that " I know nothing, I'm from Barcelona"
#45
Re: Jury Summons
When I lived in DC proper (crime capital) I was called nearly every year. I would show up looking as WASP'ish as possible, in a nice very nice suit, walking with more poise than I usually do. When the jurors were called into the courtroom I could see the defense attorneys scratching my name off the moment I walked in the door and the prosecutors putting little gold stars next to my name.
I was nixed on the preempt challenges nearly everytime by the defense (i.e. the challenge they do for basically any reason).
Now that I'm an attorney I get nixed before I even show up.
I was nixed on the preempt challenges nearly everytime by the defense (i.e. the challenge they do for basically any reason).
Now that I'm an attorney I get nixed before I even show up.