Jury Duty

[mvphilly]

Who on The Hide likes going to serve on Jury and who tries to get out of it all together.?

 

[hollowoutadime]

Been in front of one, does that count?

 

[hlee]

I’ve received 3 summonses to jury duty. All three time it was cancelled when I arrived. The last time they said something like “we don’t schedule jury duty for” whatever day I was summoned for. I’m really not a fan of being jerked around.

Neither prosecution nor defense wants a scientist on a jury anyway…

 

[brianf]

Who on The Hide likes going to serve on Jury and who tries to get out of it all together.?

ah, the double edged sword

figure most people dont want to go in general

they pay a minimal fee per day which is usually less than you make at your job so your "loosing" money

but if you dont go, the case has a jury of fudds who are willing to put their life on hold

additionally you could be stuck on a case that takes months

i served one time when i was younger, it was just a few days in the summer and i was done

been called to a second round as i was "liked" 2 other times but wasnt chosen

back then my brother was a DA in the same county so it was a no go for me in general, but i still had to show up for selection

now i have too much going on so i try and get out of it

 

[2aBaC̶a̶]

I wish I could do it but for family/work life its a huge inconvenience. its the one place where common folks can influence amd establish case law. the more moral conservative constitutional minded people participate the better.

 

[Arc Light]

I have been sent questionnaires by the county and have duly responded, but never been called. I am a firm believer and a proponent of jury nullification when warranted. If the law is bullshit and in conflict with natural law and the US Constitution, I would never vote to convict, period. I'm not sure any prosecutor would want me to serve on a jury.

 

[143lrsd]

I’ve been twice and actually made it to jury selection once for a DWI case. Was kind of funny because I was in the first group of six interviewed. Of the six, two were retired cops, one was a current cop, one was retired FBI and the other was current DEA and me. The defense veto’d the lot of us after they asked what everyone does for a living. Took 20 mins!

 

[BytorJr]

I’ve received 3 summonses to jury duty. All three time it was cancelled when I arrived. The last time they said something like “we don’t schedule jury duty for” whatever day I was summoned for. I’m really not a fan of being jerked around.

Neither prosecution nor defense wants a scientist on a jury anyway…

That's what I thought, until once I asked why they chose me....STEM. I was like WTF...you're supposed to hate me. But, in that case, the defendant needed someone who'd actually LOOK at the evidence (or lack thereof) and give the man a fair trial. That was the DUI case I was on - no, not simple..not when off-duty LE is chasing people around parking lots in personal vehicle.

 

[hlee]

That's what I thought, until once I asked why they chose me....STEM. I was like WTF...you're supposed to hate me. But, in that case, the defendant needed someone who'd actually LOOK at the evidence (or lack thereof) and give the man a fair trial. That was the DUI case I was on - no, not simple..not when off-duty LE is chasing people around parking lots in personal vehicle.

But I bet the prosecutor was trying to veto you. It’s usually one or the other (or both) that is all like “nope…”

 

[Ric O'shay]

I have to call in Sunday to see if I must show up to my summoned dates. Hope like hell it's cancelled. I intend to give all the wrong answers If asked to appear.

 

[ignortbuttrainable]

I’ve received 3 summonses to jury duty. All three time it was cancelled when I arrived. The last time they said something like “we don’t schedule jury duty for” whatever day I was summoned for. I’m really not a fan of being jerked around.

Neither prosecution nor defense wants a scientist on a jury anyway…

here in my county of NC, they don’t want anybody that uses critical thinking and rational thought and understands the theory of logic. they only want people that make decisions with their emotions. i was excused after sitting for 2 days during selection for this reason. during my interview the DA asked how me i felt about something, and i responded with the answer of “ i don’t feel any way about it. i make my decisions with my intellect not emotion”. BAM! excused without cause.

 

[ColinW]

Newp.....Not here, my dude. I have repeatedly(cough, twice) been released from jury duty by answering the prosecuting and defense lawyers questions honestly, explaining that I have had experience in law enforcement and a military history.

I found that If you look or speak even slightly educated(which I think I might be....Jury verdict; pending), my experience tells me they kick your ass off the jury immediately.

 

[Maggot]

I wish I could do it but for family/work life its a huge inconvenience. its the one place where common folks can influence amd establish case law. the more moral conservative constitutional minded people participate the better.

Ive been notified 3 times, had to bow out the first time because of work, the other times I didnt get called up. I'd consider it an honor because, like someone else pointed out, otherwise its a bunch of fudds. Additionally, if it were me on trial, I'd want a fair mind on the jury.

 

[TXAZ]

Been called multiple & on 3 juries. I don’t have a problem serving.
But to your question, waiting in one jury pool was also a criminal defense attorney who was called, and he started answering questions about jury duty. His summary was there are lots of ways to get off or on along these lines. (I’m reporting here not suggesting).

If you want OFF:
Let it be known when questioned in voir dier
1) you believe in jury nullification
2) the cops wouldn’t have arrested the defendant if he wasn’t guilty
3) The defendant has an honest face and you don’t think he could done the crime
4) you’ve read everything about this trial and KNOW the defendant is (not) guilty
5) Ask if you convict him if you can watch the execution
6) show prejudice to some other aspect of the trial, the system or defendant
7) make political speeches about crime, death penalty, etc


If you want ON the jury, then during voir dire:
1) act disinterested
2) tell them it’s a pain but everyone’s civic duty
3) answer short answers, yes or no when possible
4) Sit up at the front of the pool as they often voir dier front to back (sometimes by juror number, sometimes in mass)
5) tell them your daily routine is set and this would interrupt that. (You’re asking the judge to spite you)

Thats all I remember. I think there was more.
I also remember him saying don’t lie about having to care for X or you have some med condition, as if the judge thinks you’re lying they may check it out and if so you go to jail for contempt.

 

[calling4life]

I was just on a Jury this past year.

It was me with all women, the plaintiff side, defense side, all males in the actual trial.

I shit you not, all the women hated all of them, it was a highschool gossip tribunal, a fucking mess of emotion-based bullshit.

I did what I could and thanks to one gal that came around to reality the correct decision was made, phenomenal on her for coming around because she got the rest of them to do so as well, there was no way they'd allow me to dictate anything.

She managed to put emotion and personal feelings aside and decide based on objective reality, which I had pushed a lot, but thank god she came around.


Anyways, I don't have an issue with it, as, if you believe in your right to a jury trial, it's immensely important, and whether or not you wish to do it, or whether or not it is convenient, it is a duty that should not be so quickly dismissed.

 

[david walter]

I always go.

If you don't go sit on a jury, stop your bitchin' about all the criminals on the loose.

 

[Ric O'shay]

^^I get that, and would probably find it interesting. Problem is I am self employed, so days off shut my business down to Zero income.

 

[Campguy308]

I don't have any problem going. It is an opportunity to potentially make a difference in a situation that could have life changing consequences for someone.

Think about your feelings on the matter if you were to have to face a jury.

 

[eca7891]

I just show up wearing my NWA shirt and a blm hat.

It usually handles itself from there.

But if I make it to day 2 it’s my “circle a” cap and rage against the machine shirt.

 

[theLBC]

i used to get out of it, but after seeing the the results of letting only people too stupid to avoid jury duty decide, i have started to take my obligation seriously.

 

[Hobo Hilton]

My hearing is shot..... After asking them to repeat 3 - 4 times.... I'm excused.
They encourage me to get a letter from my doctor and put it on file...
Did that and they over look the letter.
I just take the money and run.

 

[Bacarrat]

Been called to several

First one was a civil case. Stupid lady in a Durango had a minor fender bender, with a garbage truck and was suing for over 100k. I told the lawyer thats a very small bump. Wasn't selected.

Second one, was a gun possession charge by a convicted felon. Stating the borrowed car had a gun in it and the felon didn't know. He was out on a previous gun charge. I told the lawyer his client was a idiot for borrowing someones car and not "know" there was a gun in it when he was out on a previous gun charge. The other potential jurors laughed when I called his client a idiot. Not selected on that one either. lol

Had plenty of jury summons where we just sat around half the day and the case was settled before jury selection.

 

[Maser]

I am the poster child for jury nullification, so I don't get called anymore.

 

[Pbgt]

The only people on a jury, are the ones too stupid to get out of it....

 

[Chabrone]

Served on trial for a 5 ft 100 lb girl being charged for scratching her now ex-boyfriend who was a 6’ 3” 215 golden gloves boxer. During a fight, he said that her 2 yr old disabled son was a poster child for abortion and she slapped the shit out of him, leaving a little scratch. He pressed charges. The angry lesbian juror wanted to convict because “she knew how angry women are” but as foreman, I pushed pretty hard to not ruin a single mom’s already challenged life. Fortunately I was successful and eff that douche for picking on a toddler.

 

[Chabrone]

The only people on a jury, are the ones too stupid to get out of it....

You better hope you are wrong if you go before one.

 

[HeavyAssault]

After being on a Grand Jury...they don't want me on any jury.

 

[AllenOne1]

I don't mind serving on the jury, wouldn't want to be stuck on it for a month. What I hate is that they want you to come into the downtown area of a large city and they think you should know where to park and where to go when you get to the building. A little instruction would go a long way in making people feel a little better about coming in.

 

[acudaowner]

bring a book and and a pillow

 

[Aftermath]

I have not been chosen for a jury since I was 22.
I am pro gun. I am pro death penalty. I believe homosexuality is a mental disorder. Guess what I think about the transgender shit. I think you should work even if you are living off the government dole. I believe that if you do the crime, you should do time...all of the time, every time. I have a masters degree and understand things like chemistry and shit.
I am usually excused right away.

 

[sirhrmechanic]

Last thing they want on a jury is a retired LEO...

If you want to get out of jury duty just say "I believe that anyone who makes it into a courtroom without a plea deal in this day and age is guilty as hell and is rolling the dice that a jury will let them off."

You'll be out of there faster than you can say "Judge Wapner."

Sirhr

 

[candyx]

You want out of jury duty easy , pull it out and rub one out and they will release you the first day.

 

[lightman]

Who on The Hide likes going to serve on Jury and who tries to get out of it all together.?

I don't do either. I don't like to but I'm not willing to lie to get out of it. I have served twice in my life. At the time my company would let us off with pay so there was no hardship in serving. And yeah, there are some stupid ass people on juries!

 

[acpchuck]

Did jury duty 35 years ago and seated for a civil case and a criminal case. Got a summons about 8 years ago when living in Idaho. Was scheduled for two weeks around Thanksgiving, never had to go in.

Retired and in Oregon now. Would love to get a summons now. Wife did about 18 months ago so maybe there is a chance for me.

 

[Short-bus]

Been summoned twice, both times I called the day before and the summons was cancelled, presumably because a plea agreement was reached.

I go back and forth about whether i'd want to serve or not. If they told me the trial would take a few days, ok. Any longer and I have a problem with it because i'm self employed. I'm likely the perfect candidate, not very smart, not super educated, and i'm open minded enough to be swayed with a well founded argument.

Branden

 

[theLBC]

Last thing they want on a jury is a retired LEO...

If you want to get out of jury duty just say "I believe that anyone who makes it into a courtroom without a plea deal in this day and age is guilty as hell and is rolling the dice that a jury will let them off."

You'll be out of there faster than you can say "Judge Wapner."

Sirhr

used to be a lot of things you could say to avoid being put on a jury
family in law enforcement
family was a victim of similar crime
i can tell if somebody is a liar by just looking at them
i believe in jury nullification...

but getting out of a trial isn't the same as getting out of jury duty here.
i've had to report for duty and never got assigned to a trial.

 

[BJames]

“Like” to, or “want” to… Until you dodge them so many times, the judge threatens you with a bench warrant if you fail to appear. Worked 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off lots of years ago. Everytime I was summoned, it was right in the middle of my shift, which was remote, could only get there by airplane. I’d call the number or appear at the summons and use work as an excuse to get out of any further duty. Dodged them for 7 years that way. Finally I was summoned for a grand jury, went to the summons to get out of it once more. The judge told me, “You’ve been dodging your civic duty for 7 years. You’re not excused and if you don’t show up, I’m going to issue a bench warrant for your arrest.” Needless to say, I went, and ended up being an extremely informative couple weeks. Grand jury is an interesting place.

That was also when I realized the prosecutors will do everything they can to hang you. Without getting into specifics, one case involved a mentally handicapped adult who caused a certain dollar amount of damage to his assisted living facility. The DA was wanting to charge this dude who is maybe 1/2 there and with it, with a felony and send him to no bullshit prison, on a technicality. I still remember that POS lecturing us on putting our personal feelings and morals aside and to only consider the laws that were broken.

 

[n2ishun]

Dudes
You all wish you were me when jury time comes up.
I have a felony on my record.
I knocked a cop right the fuck out after he kicked me in the very injured shin (long story).
I just tell them I am a convicted felon....but is there a cop I can beat up on ?
Please ?
No jury duty ever and they will hang up on me, every time when I call in to report.

 

[Ronin_64]

Been called a few times, but was always dismissed before jury selection actually started because parties settled/pled.

Then was chosen for a case that involved a lot of gun and pathology forensics testimony, I thought that case was very interesting. It lasted over a month, my company paid full wages while serving, and yes, jurors can be idiots.

Next time I was called and went into the jury selection phase, the case was a little too close to the previous one and they released me as a potential juror.

 

[Franko]

I'm an attorney. No other attorney in their right mind is going to let me sit on a jury. So I get to lose at a minimum a day's worth of billables and drag my ass down to the courthouse just to wait around to be told to fuck off if they call my number.

 

[sgtsmmiii]

My mom told me years ago ( regarding jury duty ) - it's my one chance to clean up society, I don't want to fuck it up. LOL.

 

[TheHorta]

Just tell them “I was excited I got the summons and started doing a little online research. Can you tell me more about “Jury Nullification?”

 

[White Death]

I've had to serve on a jury twice and was called but didn't serve 2 other times. The twice I served, one was a criminal case, the other civil. Both took multiple days and reaching a verdict was difficult despite the cases seemingly being relatively straightforward. Getting 12 people to agree on anything is very difficult.
In one case the judge kept us there in deliberations until after midnight. He later told us they do that to force a decision because many juries draw things out for days and days and the back log of cases needs to move forward. It sucked.
The worst part for me was that I'm in the burbs of Chicago and the court is in the ghetto of the south side. 40 miles away but takes 2 hours to get there in traffic each way. Now do that several days in a row and it's not a fun activity.
Looking back, it was an interesting experience to see how it really happens but I wouldn't want to ever do it again. It wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't so far away and literally in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the country. I didn't feel safe driving there in the middle of the day.

 

[Supersubes]

Super important! Would love to serve on one. In my previous state, I was ineligible(cop), in my current state I can. I live in a small-ish county with few people. No summons yet. My girl has gotten FIVE in 9 months, but never makes it.

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

Last time I actually went, was for a 3rd offense DWI for a local politician. He requested a jury trial, turning down a beathilizer and a blood test, both of which should have proven his innocence. (In my mind, automatic guilty). After sitting all day, I was finally excused. They had the trial the next day. Guilty!

Result. 3rd offense DWI in Louisiana is an automatic 1 year prison sentence. Judge gave him 30 days local and his wife was allowed to assume his position as town alderman. Next time I was called, I used my 70+ Y/O get out of jury duty free card. Figured, it was a sad joke, politicians (Judge) taking care of other politicians.

I was an officer of the court for many years. I knew all of their tricks, but I found this to be a rather blatant bit of malfeasance if not plain corruption.

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

“Like” to, or “want” to… Until you dodge them so many times, the judge threatens you with a bench warrant if you fail to appear. Worked 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off lots of years ago. Everytime I was summoned, it was right in the middle of my shift, which was remote, could only get there by airplane. I’d call the number or appear at the summons and use work as an excuse to get out of any further duty. Dodged them for 7 years that way. Finally I was summoned for a grand jury, went to the summons to get out of it once more. The judge told me, “You’ve been dodging your civic duty for 7 years. You’re not excused and if you don’t show up, I’m going to issue a bench warrant for your arrest.” Needless to say, I went, and ended up being an extremely informative couple weeks. Grand jury is an interesting place.

That was also when I realized the prosecutors will do everything they can to hang you. Without getting into specifics, one case involved a mentally handicapped adult who caused a certain dollar amount of damage to his assisted living facility. The DA was wanting to charge this dude who is maybe 1/2 there and with it, with a felony and send him to no bullshit prison, on a technicality. I still remember that POS lecturing us on putting our personal feelings and morals aside and to only consider the laws that were broken.

I have seen both sides of this. Sending people with Developmental Disabilities (Mental Retardation or MR for short) to prison, NOT sending real criminals to prison (serial rapists) because their IQ score was one or two points below 70)

I have seen too many criminals walk (or worse, get put in facilities for MR’s loaded with defenseless mr’s) while some really disabled folks don’t get the benefit of doubt.

 

[chevy_man]

Never been called.

I wouldn't mind doing it, except for having to sit still.

I thought my wife might lose her mind. She had to sit on a trial for a dude that wrecked his Harley with his girlfriend on the back and she was injured.
Turns out, the prosecutor lost while trying to cover his ass. He had a perfectly solid case until he insisted the state needed to reinvestigate 6 months after it happened.

Between his incompetence, and the victim testifying for the defense that she held no bad feelings and they were still together, the guy walked.
It was hilarious that all of the court system knew he was guilty, so they just went through the motions and got upset that the jury did their job and acquitted when the prosector couldn't make a coherent and convincing argument.


Mostly the wife was just pissed that she had to sit still all damn day. She would get home every night ready to bounce off the walls with her ADHD.

 

[whatsupdoc]

Served on Grand Jury for four weeks, You listen to individual witnesses testify about a particular case days
possibly weeks apart. Now add 30 more cases to this mess.


I did make the best of it and it was a true education of the criminal justice system, some of the cases were insane.
One was a home invasion gunfight with a child killed, another was a guy stabbed and killed his mother in law at
his kids birthday party with the cake knife and many others. There are so many STUPID people in this world.


Another time during jury selection I was trying my best to answer the questions in such a way as to
not get selected. Some people that knew me were there also and knew what I was doing, the attorneys
were like WTF when they selected me and people started laughing.

 

[hlee]

I'm an attorney. No other attorney in their right mind is going to let me sit on a jury. So I get to lose at a minimum a day's worth of billables and drag my ass down to the courthouse just to wait around to be told to fuck off if they call my number.

There’s not a person in America that wouldn’t jump at the chance to waste a lawyer’s day, then tell him to fuck off…

 

[338dude]

Been called multiple & on 3 juries. I don’t have a problem serving.
But to your question, waiting in one jury pool was also a criminal defense attorney who was called, and he started answering questions about jury duty. His summary was there are lots of ways to get off or on along these lines. (I’m reporting here not suggesting).

If you want OFF:
Let it be known when questioned in voir dier
1) you believe in jury nullification
2) the cops wouldn’t have arrested the defendant if he wasn’t guilty
3) The defendant has an honest face and you don’t think he could done the crime
4) you’ve read everything about this trial and KNOW the defendant is (not) guilty
5) Ask if you convict him if you can watch the execution
6) show prejudice to some other aspect of the trial, the system or defendant
7) make political speeches about crime, death penalty, etc


If you want ON the jury, then during voir dire:
1) act disinterested
2) tell them it’s a pain but everyone’s civic duty
3) answer short answers, yes or no when possible
4) Sit up at the front of the pool as they often voir dier front to back (sometimes by juror number, sometimes in mass)
5) tell them your daily routine is set and this would interrupt that. (You’re asking the judge to spite you)

Thats all I remember. I think there was more.
I also remember him saying don’t lie about having to care for X or you have some med condition, as if the judge thinks you’re lying they may check it out and if so you go to jail for contempt.

I was called years ago told the person in charge. I have a short attention span and I Take a lot of meds. I was never bothered again!
In Tennessee you can be on jury duty for six months!