'ken Jury Duty

Timosity · Wed 20/10/2004 09:26:42

I get home from work today and what do I find in my letterbox? cool, a cheque for some dividends from some shares I have, then a Jury Summons.

Has anyone ever been on a jury before?

This is the second time it's happened to me, most people probably go through life without it ever happening, I wish it was the lottery instead (I guess it's more likely if you buy a ticket).

The first time I never even got to go into the court room, the case I was assigned to was over before it started, the person pleaded guilty and the case was dismissed so I got to go home after just sitting around for a few hours.

That time I was unemployed and I was looking forward to at least having a chance to do something.

This time I just don't want the hassle.

You can fill out a form and give some excuse that they can consider, but it is compulsory to attend if they think it's not a good enough excuse. If you don't turn up you can get fined. Work is not an acceptable excuse. (although I'm sure if you were a brain surgeon they would let you off)

It also doesn't necessarily mean you will get to be on the jury, once it's your groups turn, if either party doesn't like the look of you, or doesn't think you're the right type to get their person off (or find them guilty) they can get rid of you, they do this to each person until they have selected the 12 that they both agree with.

It is estimated that this case will go for 3 weeks, so I really hope I don't get selected.

If anyone can think of any ways I can limit my chances of being selected, please tell me, or atleast make up some cool stories.

[Cameron] · Wed 20/10/2004 09:31:56

If you are a casual worker you can claim your reliant on your income (casuals don't get paid while on jury duty) and claim you are loosing money by doing Jury duty. Or get a friend to break your leg.

Scummbuddy · Wed 20/10/2004 09:54:18

if your leg is broken, then you would have no problem sitting for 3 weeks. youd be in a wheelchair sitting down anyways.

jaz · Wed 20/10/2004 10:03:36

It's quite easy, all you have to do is to folow these simple instructions:

Step One: Commit a Crime

Step Two: Get Arrested

This should solve any problems you may have with showing up at Jury.

SSH · Wed 20/10/2004 17:29:34

Leer at the defendant/judge/counsel constantly, whether they be male or female. This makes it unlikely that you will be selected. If any of them are black, make a KKK hood out of a pillowcase for added effect...

Gregjazz · Thu 21/10/2004 01:53:05

If they catch you trying to get out of jury duty, they arrest you. That's really not cool.

So don't try to give reasons why you would be biased in court or anything like that.

EDIT: Took me a few to figure out what "'ken" stood for in your thread title.

Squinky · Thu 21/10/2004 02:26:20

One portion of my job requires me to do court security for jury trials. I know that over here if a person dosen't show up for jury duty they can be found in contempt and just get thrown in jail....That ussaully dosen't happen though. And it takes a hell of a lot to get out of jury duty....

I was summoned to jury duty once, made it all the way to selection and I looked up and realized I had fingerprinted the gal who was facing charges. It didn't take long for them to excuse me....

c.leksutin · Thu 21/10/2004 04:52:52

My mother once got out of Jury duty by telling the judge she had to teach sunday school, to which the Judge relpied: "I'm not gonna touch that, you can go!'

I don't think you'll be able to use that one, but I thought it was a neat story.

C.

shbaz · Thu 21/10/2004 05:29:59

Making them believe you have a personal bias works, the afforementioned scowl.

I got out of it by updating my license with my new address, in another county. I was also told that because I work inside the court house I would probably be dismissed. Also, I know the court clerk, so it wouldn't have been a problem anyway.

Now that I'm registered in another county, I have no way out if I'm selected, but what are the odds of that when I've only been eligible for two years?

Timosity · Thu 21/10/2004 08:53:32

I might try the casual worker thing, cause my work is classified as casual even though I work 5-6 days a week. (so I won't get paid from work. I think you get some allowance from the jury duty and travelling allowance but I don't think it's that much, I'll have to find that out)

Otherwise I'll just try not to look my best, old shorts & t-shirt, unshaved for a week.

I'll have to take a few pairs of Homer's glasses.

shbaz · Thu 21/10/2004 09:01:27

Quote from: Timosity on Thu 21/10/2004 08:53:32
I'll have to take a few pairs of Homer's glasses.

Change them overtly and often, but try desperately to look like you want it to be unnoticed.

SSH · Thu 21/10/2004 12:13:21

Read the John Grisham book "Runaway Jury" and you'll get some tips on how to make sure your ARE on a Jury. I think a sure-fire way to get out is to claim that both the defence and prosecution offered you money ...

earlwood · Thu 21/10/2004 13:37:07

I think just about everyone there will by trying their hand to get off the jury, so I think the best thing to do is to look just a bit too eager to get on the jury.Ã,Â I suggest wooting and hollering, and perhaps a "Let 'Em Hang" t-shirt.

On an added note, boast openly about your license to carry a concealed handgun. Make gun gestures with your hand and aim it wildly around to room, stopping only at the defendant's podium to make realistic, gun-like noises like Pow and Zing.

Blade · Thu 21/10/2004 18:18:53

"Runaway Jury" is also a movie - with Dustin Hoffman and Gene Hackman.
Tip made with aid of the movie - get knowledge of what the case is about, then try to convince them you have an interest in it. For example try screaming out loud something about the case, something like a postulate against the defendant. The defence will put you out