To Jury...or Not to Jury

I'm not quite sure of the process, but I've never been called for jury duty. I'm suppose I'm just counting myself lucky thus far. My mom, sister and dad have each been called multiple times...not that they've served every time...but they've been called.

Part of me thinks that it might be interesting to sit through a case, hear the facts, and take part in the process...but the other part of me thinks it might be extremely stressful to have the fate of someone in the hands of my interpretation of the facts and evidence...even when it's cut and dry.

My mom is serving jury duty today (and possibly tomorrow). In honor of her performing this civic duty, here are some hints to help you (maybe) in the future.

1. In many states, it is possible to demonstrate that you are unable to serve on a jury for financial reasons. Proof of employment and/or wages, in addition to comprehensive financial statements and the previous year's taxes should all be brought to court with you on the first day you report to jury duty. If you can persuade the judge that it is unfeasible for you to miss work, you will have lost only one day of your time. Lying here would be inadvisable.

2. Request a change of date. If you can get a change of date, ask for December. In December, there is a far greater chance that most trials will be delayed or moved, and you may never actually get called in, while at the same time you are still fulfilling your civic duty.

3. Use a risky loophole if you're in California. The following point constitutes fraud if you are caught and could result in possible 20 days in jail. One tack to try: Explain to the judge that you have a pressing, pressing commitment in the next week or two, and that you would be happy to re-schedule your jury service two weeks hence because of this very pressing work or personal commitment. Most judges will agree to let you come back and repeat jury service in two weeks, even if your commitment doesn't rise to the level needed for him to just let you go scott-free. However (and here's the catch), by state law you will have served your jury service already merely by dint of having appeared for a day, even without being selected for trial. When you return to the jury room, instead of getting your jury service rescheduled they will hand you piece of paper certifying you have completed it. Voila!

4. Attend jury duty if you don’t come up with an acceptable excuse. "Play smart." Many attorneys wants jurors whom they can persuade one way or the other. Try to demonstrate education, intelligence, and logical reasoning. In many jurisdictions, lawyers, judges, and police officers are categorically barred from jury duty because they are too informed on the subject. (In California this applies only to the latter.) Similarly, doctors are almost always excused from malpractice cases, bankers from embezzlement cases, etc. It is not, however, unheard-of for a sitting judge to be seated as a juror.

5. Mention the right of a jury to "veto." In short, it allows a jury to return a verdict of "innocent" when the accused is clearly guilty, because the jury disagrees with the law that was broken. You probably want to read up on this before your jury duty. This is a right held by the juror and affirmed by the Supreme Court, but one that both prosecutors and judges usually deeply loathe, if they even acknowledge its existence. You will almost certainly be excused from the jury for holding unacceptable views, but if not, you will be better prepared for the experience from your research.

6. But remember, once you have been sworn in always tell the truth.

7. Just say you're a student. In most cases, missed work can be made up, but not missed lessons/lectures. it's a perfect excuse.

8. George Carlin offered the best suggestion: Tell the judge you'll make a great juror, as you can spot guilty people just by looking at them.

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Out-of-Jury-Duty