Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

Does anyone feel that they have a civic duty to serve? I know that people have legitimate reasons why they can't serve at particular times in their lives but does everyone feel like they should get out of it if they can? Our government asks us to do 2 things: serve as jurors on an infrequent basis and pay taxes. I guess I just hate the "oh, you're a lawyer, tell me how to get out of it."

Now, let me clarify, I have seen a lot of posts from people on here who had very legitimate reasons not to serve. I am not directing the question/comment at those people. I am directing it at the population of people who say things like,"tell the judge you are biased about the case, even if you really aren't."

My opinion is, serve if you can. If it is a hardship, that is another story, but do not make up a hardship or fabricate opinion just to be sent home.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

i agree
at first i didnt want to go to jury duty
but then, i figured, this country gives me so much, and so many opportunites that i would not have living in another country

and if all they ask is that i serve one every 7 years, then ill happily oblige

i served last year. It was long, but extremely interesting and made me feel like i made a difference

Message edited 5/3/2007 5:34:41 PM.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I actually love Jury Duty (b/c I still get paid at work) - LOL....but it's just something that I know "to do" as my civic duty.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I've only received one summons for jury duty, but I didn't even have to show up. I actually wanted to serve. Even though I'm an attorney, I thought being a juror was my best chance to actually see a trial.

I feel I have a civic duty to serve, but I completely understand people who don't want to serve on certain types of cases. I don't think people should lie just to get out of serving. However, but if they really don't want to be there and won't take any type of interest in the case, it's probably best if they're excused.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

i WANT to serve on jury duty - Supreme Court actually - give me an interesting case, and i'm so there

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I WANT to serve! I have been wanting to for years! Finally got a summons but it was right after my radiation/chemo ended and I was in no shape

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I just posted on how I have to attend jury duty in a few weeks. I was a little pizzed about it because I have to now find a sitter for my son and find transportation there (I don't drive) which turns into a big hassel.

But I am sucking it up and going because it is my civic duty and I am hoping that it actually turns out to be interesting. This will be first time serving.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I don't think about it as a "civic duty". It is just something that you do when you are called. I don't get upset when I am not called but I don't get upset when I am called either.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I would LOVE to serve on a jury. They won't pick me.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

the first time I got called I would have not minded serving, but I was excused. they made their selections before my name got called.

the 2nd time I got called (about 2 years ago) I did NOT want to serve! the lawyers pulled a group of us into a room and told us about the case. It was a freakin FENDER BENDER lawsuit which took place on the Orient Point ferry give me a BREAK! people have some nerve and I can't believe any lawyer would even take a fender bender case!

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I don't mind serving, but I get a summons way too often. I've been summoned (is that the proper term?) about six times already! I know people who haven't even been called once and are older than I am. I am actually on telephone duty starting Monday, even though I just served three years ago. I even filled out the questionnaire and told them I just served, and they sent me the summons anyway. This is why I don't like jury duty. Oh yeah - and they will never accept me as a juror for various reasons, so it's always a waste of time.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I would never try to get out of jury duty if I didn't have a valid reason. I was on the "call-in" list about a year ago, but they never got to my number.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I LOVE Jury Duty..problem is they hardly ever call me. It got to the point that I called them to sign up...and they STILL didn't call me. It's been over 5 years since I last served..and just the other day I got a notice for Supreme Court. I jumped up and down thinking YAHOO FINALLY..but no..it was just something I had to fill out and send back. I hope this means they will call me!!!

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I loved Jury Duty. Easy, short day on Staten Island instead of commuting. Bought a book I had been meaning to read.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I wonder why some get called more than others.

I get called faithfully every 4 years.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I think it is a civic duty. I was called once and a man was questioned as to why he couldnt serve. He said he couldnt speak the language. When the judge asked him how long he was in this country and he responded "30 years." The judge sent him back to his seat and told him he should be ashamed of himself." The same judge did not dismiss a woman who claimed to get severe migraines. He asked her if she goes to work with the migraines and she did so, he said "If you go to work, you can come here - NEXT."

Aside from Jury Duty (and please forgive the hijack) is the lack of young men who refuse to sign up for the selective service at age 18. This is America and if you want to have the freedoms, you have to assume the responsibilites. In some countries - EVERYONE serves. I just . It doesnt mean you will be taken if you sign up as there is no draft. But you can be darn sure that I will take my son to sign up if I have a son someday.

"Registration is the law. A man who fails to register may, if prosecuted and convicted, face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison term of up to five years."

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I really wouldnt mind serving on a jury I just wish they would keep it local I live on the east end of long island and i got a brooklyn court questionaire i really hope i do not get called in for that but locally I would do it no problem.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

I feel it is your civic duty and can be very interesting. I have served a few times and while I didn't always get a case, the ones I got were very interesting.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

i've been on jury duty numerous times. i was just called again 3 weeks ago, unfortunately i no longer qualify because of my medical conditions.

jury duty - aside from having to get there at the crack of dawn, ( i always worked night shift ) can be a good way to pass a day. mostly interesting it can actually be entertaining ( if you like people watching ).

as for civic duty - personally i always felt that way. guess it is just how i was taught by my grandfather.

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

Posted by SweetestOfPeas

Posted by Blu-ize

I wonder why some get called more than others.

I get called faithfully every 4 years.

get this - my DH was called for grand jury duty for the FIRST TIME EVER 2 months ago. he postponed it - you're allowed to do that once.

I have NO CLUE how he was never called before?!

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

Posted by Goldi0218

Aside from Jury Duty (and please forgive the hijack) is the lack of young men who refuse to sign up for the selective service at age 18. This is America and if you want to have the freedoms, you have to assume the responsibilites. In some countries - EVERYONE serves. I just . It doesnt mean you will be taken if you sign up as there is no draft. But you can be darn sure that I will take my son to sign up if I have a son someday.

"Registration is the law. A man who fails to register may, if prosecuted and convicted, face a fine of up to $250,000 and/or a prison term of up to five years."

Re: Not directed at anyone in particular--jury duty question?

Jury Duty does not bother me. I was almost on a case once where we would have been sequestered (sp?), and I think that would have freaked me out, but for normal JD I don't mind.