I'm laying low in this county, hoping they don't call me for jury duty. However, in the county we lived in previously, I got called for jury duty. There were several things I didn't understand. First, we came back from vacation a day early so I could appear as summoned. When the folks who weren't chosen were released, the judge thanked us all for coming and then told us they had no way of telling if a jury summons was answered! Secondly, we were asked if we had any prejudice against the death penalty. The trial they were choosing a jury for was petty theft--maximum sentence of two years! And lastly, we were to be paid for the day we sat around waiting for something to happen. We were given the option of donating the money to a charity that buys gifts for the children of inmates. Doesn't that seem rather ironic? Convict daddy and then give a teddy bear to the kid! As I said, I'm laying low and hope to stay under the court's radar.
The last time I appeared for jury duty was a hot summer day in an old courthouse. The big windows were open and a small but refreshing breeze wafted across the courtroom. Potential jurors sat together as the lawyers questioned each the perspective candidates. A man next to me said as the jury edged closer to the required amount, "Looks like we are safe now." He was the very next one called. He was the last chosen and as the judge dismissed us and sent us home, I glanced back, caught his eye, and he shrugged. It was nice to get outside as I did not relish spending the next few days in a hot, stuffy courtroom. Jerry
I'm pretty sure the pay was like 11$s the one time I actually served.. haha I can't remember but I'm pretty sure my job had to pay me something too. Good luck as long as your address is current on your dl and your registered to vote you will eventually get a summons. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
I've been summoned twice for jury duty. Both times the defendant pled guilty before the trial date so I didn't have to attend.
Here in Ohio, you can lay as low as you like, but if you have a drivers license you can get a summons. The last time I was called I wasn't very "nice" Said I didn't like my BIL nor did I have any tolerance for stupidity, violence, drunkenness...etc. I didn't get booted off the jury until I answered that I wouldn't whisper if I had a thought, I would say it out loud. Well, I thought the defendants lawyer was still talking to me and I was being honest, but I guess he didn't like that I would question an answer or motive out loud, (not that I have anything against drunk driving or domestic violence.... , yeah, right. If someone were to beat on me it would be the first and last time that would happen.) Huh, And to think I am the nicest of people. always try to have a kind thought or not have a preconceived idea of them.... even a drunk wife beater, not! Be real vocal...for the death penalty, slow, long and torturous, even for minor infractions such as a mile or two over the speed limit or looking at the officer wrong, Say out loud when you contradict the defendants scumbag lawyer...etc. Ask (over the phone) if you are a nursing mother would they have any objection to you doing it there in the court room... That should do it Jane. No, Really, I would appreciate a jury of honest hard working citizens to do their job. The mere thought of being there and trying to defend myself if I were the one who did something wrong, accidentally or inadvertently is scary enough.
Jerry, I wouldn't want to be inside for several days, even if the courtroom were air-conditioned and the jury box had padded seats. The courtroom would be treated to a full-out display of garden withdrawal! Mrs. G, I think the pay was something like $6, which would buy about half a Barbie doll. I have a driver's license, so if called, I'm resorting to Carolyn's post. Carolyn, I'm printing out your suggestions, minus the nursing mother one. Even a lawyer wouldn't believe that, since I'm in my 60's! Maybe if I stood up and yelled, "Hang 'em! Hang 'em high!" I'd be summarily dismissed from jury duty. Forever.
I've been called 3 times, never had to serve though. One the guy plead out before the voir dire process even begain. One I just got lucky. And one the defense attorney made the statement that photos do not lie....we have three friends who are professional photographers and I have seen how they can copy/paste/edit/stitch them together to make them look totally different than the original subject of the photo. So I raised my hand and told them that, a bug X went by my name on all three lists...two attorneys and the judge. If you had to turn in the Jury Summons form when you got there the County Constables are in the courthouse and they do know when a summons is not honored. The Judge just isn't part of that process. The question about the death penalty has come up in all the times I was down there. Defense and Prosecutors want to know how extreme the mind set is of potential jurors. They get more answers from how you answer one of the questions than what your answer is. The reasons for not selecting certain jurors is varied and may not have anything to do with the facts of the case involved, so the questions are widely varied during voir dire. Many people who go to jail are the only source of a pay check for the family. The family goes on food stamps but there probably won't be any money for birthday and christmas gifts for the kids who are the ones affected most by the loss of a parent. I like staying low too and in 3 years I won't have to go at all.
I was on a jury once, luckily it was a civil case, and frivolous case imo. There was a settlement offer before the trial started, and they should have taken it but didn't. My husband is currently on jury duty, and didn't have to go in last week, will find out tomorrow about this week. Luckily his employer continues to pay him his regular pay while serving jury duty, which is nice. Knowing my husband, he'll go in before and after his jury duty service and do his regular job anyway to make sure everything is running smoothly. It'll be a long month.
At age 70, you are not required to report for Jury Duty. You can still go if you want to though. You can opt out and they will remove your name from the list. Texas has a one day or one jury system (some counties do not but most of the state does) When you are dismissed by a judge then you do not have to go back the next day. If you are selected for the jury then you stay as long as needed. But after that duty is served you are finished until the next summons appears. There are also Stand-by Jurors, the summons tells you what day to call the courthouse between 10-12 and then you will be told whether you will be needed or not...if not then you are released.
Miss Jane, that might get you a contempt citation. Answer rather, 'The law must be applied dispassionately and logically to the facts as presented.' Emphasize facts and chances are, one or the other of the widow and orphan robbing, blood sucking parasites questioning you, will dismiss you. Be pro death penalty, and pro maximum sentencing. You might also say, the defendant wouldn't be here unless he/she hadn't done something against the law. 8)
FBG, I actually thought the defendant's lawyer was the defendant. A less prepossessing man I have never seen.
Jane I am actually amazed at the appearance of some of the lawyers...first impressions? we have on here in town that you would never believe is a lawyer...I am not sure he stands 5' tall. The one on the case I got the boot from...he was wearing messy casual clothes with cowboy boots. Now there is nothing wrong with boots, but you ought to dress the part you are representing, boots just don't fit the part up here. If he came in on a horse, well maybe I would find the boots part of his needed attire, but not up here. Only the Amish are found bringing their horses to town and they only use them to pull a cart or wagon, you never see them ride.
At my ripe old age, I have never been summoned. My daughter who is 26, had been summoned twice! She filed an appeal when she was in college, and the second time was dismissed before any proceedings take place. It was sure a waste of her time!
At my ripe old age, I have never been summoned. My daughter who is 26, had been summoned twice! She filed an appeal when she was in college, and the second time was dismissed before any proceedings take place. It was sure a waste of her time!
