Jury duty

[DarkwingChuck]

I got my first ever summons for jury duty the other day. I knew I shouldn't have registered to vote. I could go for the student exemption but that would only postpone things. I want to make sure they leave me alone for eternity but without becoming disabled or being convicted of a felony. What's the easiest most effective way to avoid it completely?

[Bon]

Re: Jury duty

Damn, dude.

I wish I knew.

I would hate doing jury duty.

[Nixon]

Re: Jury duty

I thought if you were a student, you didn't have to participate at all (no questions asked).

If you have to go, just look as mean as possible. Maybe they won't pick you.

[JPS]

Re: Jury duty

get all thugged out, or all drugged up...


Just go in lookin like this dude...




I sure wouldnt want someone like that deciding my fate

[Karr Lord of Chaos]

Re: Jury duty

use the student opt out, thats the best way to go. you can also pretend to be a racist but i think that can get you into more trouble.

[Rodak]

Re: Jury duty

Dont bathe or change your clothes for a week before the interview.

Eat LOTS of asparagus the night before and pee yourself in the morning.

Carry a Stuffed Animal.

Giggle distractedly.

You'll be fine.






Or...






just state that you believe in an informed jury, which would be when the attorneys go through the process of selecting a jury. you could only "get off" jury and possibly out of the pool of jury "talent" altogether... evidently the principle of an informed jury only applies to criminal cases, so with civil cases, you'd have to try another approach.

so i suppose some of you are wondering what an informed jury is and why even mentioning it during jury selection would be a surefire way to get you out of serving on a jury. plenty of links follow, so you can read up to your hearts content.

it all revolves around the idea of jury nullification, where juries have the right to veto bad laws and the misapplication of laws—by refusing to convict the defendant.

In the U.S., every defendant in a criminal case has the constitutional right to be tried by a jury of his or her peers. Jurors can disregard their oath and the judge's instructions and vote for aquittal if they disagree with the law.

needless to say, many judges, prosecutors, law enforcement professionals, and hysterical "fear everyone" lawmakers are strongly opposed to the notion that juries can nullify undesirable laws... and it doesnt take much effort to find laws that you or i may disagree with (how many "bad" laws are on the books? just imagine).

so anywho... you want off a jury.... mention that you believe completely in the principle, application, and right of jury nullification and an informed jury, with a brief definition of what it is (esp. if you want to plant a seed of an idea in the rest of the jury pool, given they arent too thrilled to be there either). your milage may vary, and i havent been in a situation to apply it. however, if i were in a jury (esp. for a drug related case or one of these redundant 3strikes/1strike and you are incarcerated for life type cases - well, i might just wanna be a wrench and get in the jury anyways).

if its a civil case, then jury nullification doesnt come into play. one approach is to take the stance that whomever is the plantiff/defendant, you have the firm and unwaivable belief that they are liars (i.e. all real estate agencies are liars, all doctors are liars, all computer manufacturers are liars, etc) and that it would be impossible to render an impartial verdict... cause they are inherently guilty (whichever group they may be). That approach worked for my brother, got him off a jury and dismissed from the pool.

ok, here are some links... go have fun.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_nullification

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fully_I...ry_Association

http://www.fija.org/index.php?page=staticpage&id=1

http://www.progress.org/fold22.htm

and while i actually believe Fox News is hardly news and more spin, this article actually shows how jury nullifcation can work in the "real world"

Justice Often Served By Jury Nullification
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,163877,00.html

annd after reading all this, makes me want to be on a jury... almost.

[JPS]

Re: Jury duty

Found this on a website

Each lawyer gets "challenges" where they can request the removal of potential jurors. The lawyers want sheep that they can direct with their impassioned speeches. If you aren't a sheep, they don't want you. Here are 9 methods that can help you get "challenged."

Educate yourself. Lawyers don't like informed jurors who know about such important things as jury nullification.

Dress down. If you come in to jury duty looking like a slob, most lawyers will want you removed. If you appear to be an individualist (wear a beard, have multiple piercings, etc.) they'll be happy to show you the door.

Wear political clothing. Shirts that proclaim a specific freedom, like the right to bear arms, show you have a predetermined mindset, and will be hard to direct.

Tell the truth. In many cases the judge will ask if you can render a fair verdict on the case at hand. Since you are opposed to being there in the first place and resent the defendent for causing this ruckus, you really can't give a fair verdict.

Become friends with a police officer. Most lawyers don't want police officers or their friends on a jury because they are typically prejudiced.

Become friends with a lawyer. Attorneys don't want someone who is even partially famililar with the law, so if you count a lawyer in your circle of friends they'll be afraid of your prior exposure to the system.

Explain to the judge that if either lawyer tries to limit or restrict any evidence from being presented, you will be unable to remain objective since it is obvious they are trying to hide the truth.

Play stupid. Ask all sorts of annoying, yet simple, questions.

Become a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical response team member. This will typically get you excused before even having to go before the judge.

[IRC]

Re: Jury duty

Become a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical response team member. This will typically get you excused before even having to go before the judge.

Yeah, but then he'd have to go fight fires all the time.

[Red Dragon]

Re: Jury duty

"What makes you think you can be a part of the Jury?"

"Because I know who is guilty just by looking at them in the eye!"

[The_Real_Crunk]

Re: Jury duty

Just tell them God will guide you through it all and show you what is right.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: Jury duty

Maybe I could dress like Phoenix Wright and bring a bunch of Ace Attorney merchandise and just act like a total PW weeaboo (not sure if I'm using that term correctly). But that'd just as likely get me locked up in a looney bin.

[Hyper Dingo]

Re: Jury duty

Look at it this way, Maybe you'll get to meet judge fudge.

[Kefka Jr.]

Re: Jury duty

http://terrytorres.blogspot.com/2006...bligation.html

None of these suggestions mattered, because in the end all I had to do was sit in a room for six hours until they told me they didn't need me.

[DarkwingChuck]

Re: Jury duty

"What's the problem? They pay you $100 a day free, then you get paid breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a free hotel suite, plus they pay for your transportation..."

Wait, they pay you? I know they provide meals and hotel stays if you have to be sequestered overnight(s) but if they actually pay you I'll do it.

[JPS]

Re: Jury duty

Yeah they pay you $100 a day to compensate for a work day whether you work or not

May be different depending on the jurisdiction

I know mine was $100/day, but I wasnt a resident of the city anymore so I didnt have to go