My friend doesn't want to register to vote b/c of jury duty

[freeplessinseattle]

possibility. she adamantely doesn't want to be called for jury duty. I told her I got out of jury duty before by telling them that I didn't believe in the jury system, and also that I had final exams I couldn't miss. I'm not which one, or both, got me out of it but in any case it's not enough to convince her. Does anyone have any ideas of how to either make jury duty more enticing, or ideas to try to get out of it? I know, it would be great if I convince her that voting is vital, I'm in that process but need to get her to register soon. She has voted before when she lived on the east coast-for Clinton. so that's hopeful.

[Syrinx]

1. I've been a registered voter for a long time

And I've never been called for jury duty. Too bad, because I think it might be an interesting experience.

[NaturalHigh]

52. I'm 35, been registered since I was 18...

and I've never been called either.

[TahitiNut]

72. In 42 years as a registerd voter, I've never been called for jury duty.

Not once. I've lived, and been registered, in five different states and never got a notice.

[notadmblnd]

79. Jury duty is not done by voter registration in Michigan

it's all attached to your drivers license. I've done jury dudty several times in district court and once in Federal court. Never been called for circuit court though. I'm 47. Now my mom whis is 65 ha never been called either, so I dont know the process of selecting the jurors but I'm thinking it has to do with how your last name falls into the alphabet. My last name starts with a B, my mothers starts with and R. Just thought I'd share.

[TahitiNut]

80. Well, I've had a driver's license for 47 years.

Never called for jury duty. Maybe they don't want me. :evilgrin:

[notadmblnd]

81. apparently they don't want my mother either

but they sure do seem to like me.

[TomInTib]

2. When I received a summons, I just called them and asked

if a convicted felon could serve on a jury.

The guy just stammered and said that there must have been a mistake.

I never heard from them again.

And I have never been convicted of a felony.

I just asked a simple question.

[Richard Steele]

3. Jury duty hasn't depended upon voter registration for DECADES.

That's a real 19th-century notion.

Back then, the 'voter rolls' were the ONLY lists of human beings
that the government had that reliably cross-referenced with
addresses.

They abandoned that by stages as they got better info about
who we are and where we live.

Please inform her that this is the 21st Century, and the Government
already knows what she had for lunch last week. It doesn't need
HER to fill out any forms before it's able to send her a Registered Letter.

Being a 'registered voter' these days is actually a TURNOFF to lawyers
looking for uninformed, easily manipulated, TV-educated sheep
to fill the jury boxes that fill their bank accounts.

[freeplessinseattle]

6. I heard that they don't like college students

because they have those dratted critical thinking skills. I wonder what the average braekdown of Dems vs Repubs on juries is. That's probably unknown info but would be interesting to see if there's a pattern.

Thanks for the info, btw!

[Richard Steele]

18. Yup. Right or wrong, college students are OPINIONATED.

Fiercely so. And they have FACTS (right or wrong) to support
their opinions.
That's a trial lawyers/district attorneys
worst nightmare.

BOTH sides want SHEEP in the jury box.
Blank slates; Jerry Springer guests...NOT people who
already have opinions about things.

And being a 'registered voter' implies that you MIGHT
have some opinions of your own, so that's already a turnoff
during 'Jury Selection'.

Showing up wearing a t-shirt with the 'Bill of Rights' on it
is a frickin GUARANTEE that you will NOT be selected
to sit on any jury, anywhere, EVER.

[fizzgig]

32. i have to disagree with both of you

those blanket statements are absurd.

i live in a college town and have been called up a couple of times (including once during the first week of classes) and although i've never been seated on a jury, both times there were two students on the jury.

being a college student or even a registered voter does not mean you are opinionated beyond listening to the facts presented in court and basing a decision on those facts

[serryjw]

16. Is that true for every state?

How would I find out in CO?

[Richard Steele]

20. NOTHING is "true for every State" re: Jury selection.

It's a vast grey area; no one has made very many
'official rulings' since that vague 'jury of your peers'
guideline 275 years ago.

The only way to find out how it works in your area is to ask
a Court Employee or a Lawyer who works regularly in a
specific Court.

They all are pretty much free to find Jurors anyway they want to
so long as they don't violate the Voting Rights Act (no racism).
Some of them have some unusual methods, to be sure.

But ANY reliable, up-to-date name/address database is a likely source;
you have a better chance of being picked out of a phone
book than out of the Voter Rolls these days.

[Ms. Toad]

86. Google

http://www.courts.state.co.us/exec/pubed/brochures/jurysystem.pdf#search=%22colorado%20jury%20duty%22

According to the FAQ, for state courts its a mixture of voter registration, driver's licenses, non-driving state IDs, and revenue (presumably tax) records. Federal may be different - I didn't find that quickly.

[serryjw]

88. True also

in CO.thanks

[NaturalHigh]

54. In our county...

they go by voter registration to pick jurors.

[SharonAnn]

77. Here they use Drivers License info, Property Tax info, etc.

[Ayesha]

4. It's EASY to get out of

Just act crazy/espouse extreme or bizarre views/etc. during the selection process and you'll be off the hook.

I have medical reasons why I can't serve, otherwise I would love to be on a civil trial jury, or a criminal trial that didn't require seeing graphic autopsy photos. The court system is fascinating and I think jury duty COULD be a great experience, but IMO nobody should be forced to serve if they're adamantly opposed to it.

[freeplessinseattle]

9. I wouldn't mind something interesting, I think it's just a $ issue

with her, she's in debt and works 6 days a week so taking time off at the $5/ day or whatever for State, or $70/day (?) for Federal it's just not worth it to her with all her money stress.

[Stardust]

23. Can't blame her there. It is a huge financial hardship. If it's a choice

between performing my civic duty, or feeding my family, guess what. I've served twice but don't think I could afford to nowadays. BTW, they do get names from Drivers License lists, too. So she's probably not immune.

[kiahzero]

63. In that case, she could say that it would be a financial hardship

The court isn't going to force you to serve if doing so means you can't pay your bills.

[Devlzown]

5. They usually ask if you know the defendant.

You could say yes. You could also say you'd heard about the case already.

[JI7]

7. a lot of people who don't register to vote are called for jury duty

i have never been called for it even though i am registered to vote and have been since i could.

i think depending on the case if you appear to have strong opinions which may influence the outcome then you might be dismissed by one of the sides.

does anyone know if they have public info on what your political views are such as who you donated to and other stuff ? i wonder if that keeps me from being called for jury duty.

in a way i kind of would like to serve just for the experience. but they never call me for it.

it's funny because those who ARE registered to vote seem to have less a problem with the whole jury thing but those who aren't registered always complain about it.

[Biernuts]

8. And serving on a jury is just as important. Too bad her state doesn't

go off driver's license records as they do here in Maryland instead of voter registation.

Discuss with her what kind of people she wants on a jury should SHE ever be accused.

Getting out of it is simple, "Your Honor I must rspectfully admit my heartfelt belief that the defendant wouldn't be here he he/she wasn't guilty. So great is my regard for the district attorney, that I would not be able to put aside this belief and vote not guilty, even if the evidence were to

[China_cat]

10. She can cite religion.

JW's do not serve on juries.

[bling bling]

11. That's the lamest thing I've heard in a long time.

What kind of person is so self-absorbed that the thought of participating in our justice system is SO awful that she'd give up her right to vote? Some women today just blow my mind. Maybe you should show your friend a video of the decades long battle women fought in, starved in, marched in, etc. so that women today could just blow it off and not give a shit.

I doubt I'd spend a whole lot of time trying to convince someone that selfish to do anything. But that's just me. I dont have a lot of tolerance for people like that.

[Sherman A1]

17. Agreed and Well Said.

Jury Duty is a great experience and something I think we should all do. I wish I would be called every couple of years, but it's pretty random. I have really enjoyed the cases I have served upon and enjoyed the time away from everyone in the jury pool room just reading a book or the newspaper. It's nice to unplug from the day to day and do something completely different once in awhile.

[bling bling]

22. Thanks.

I've never served but I wouldn't try to avoid it if I was called. Even if it was a case that seemed boring. It wouldn't feel right to try to get out of it unless I really needed to, legitimately. Besides, it sounds like it would be something interesting and worthwhile to experience.

I just really hate when people take their rights and responsibilities and just blow them off. And this holds especially true for me for women. There are women around the world at this very minute who can't vote, and who are subject to a justice system that would literally convict them and punish them for being raped!!

Actively participating in our system of government when called upon is not something that is at all respectable to just blow off and let "other people" deal with. Really I think it's shameful and I can't believe so many people admit to it like it's no big deal. But naturally, that's just my opinion.

[sarge43]

26. The original meaning of the word idiot

came from the ancient Greek and it meant someone who refused to be involved in public discourse and service.

[Blue_Tires]

71. well said

[lildreamer316]

53. Did you even READ the post above?(#4)

It's about her being able to AFFORD to LIVE. She doesn't have the LUXURY of participating in our justice system at FIVE DOLLARS A DAY.
Save the judgement until you walk in her shoes.
Are YOU going to feed her and house her?
Get a reality check. Under economic conditions today, for many people it is simply not affordable. Gee, I wonder why that is.

[bling bling]

73. Oh knock it off.

Did you think about the point at hand before you wrote that? We're talking about someone who DOESN'T VOTE because she doesn't want to be called for jury duty. If you see the rational logic in such a thing and your heart is bleeding for someone like that, then I'm wasting my time, our country has gone to the dogs. I'm supposed to pay this woman's bills so that she can register to vote because she's too scared she might have an eensy bitsy teeny tiny possibility that she MIGHT have to serve on a jury. Jesus christ.

If you can't afford or have medical reasons to not be on jury duty, then fine - do what you can to get out of it. But if you'd read my post you'd have seen my main point was about voting. Sorry you don't think it's a big deal. Maybe you should brush up on your history. The very least we, as women, can do is to exercise our vote in this country. It's not something I respect, admire, or EXCUSE if you just blow it off using lame excuses. It's a good thing the women before us didn't use lame excuses to not go to battle for us to have such a right.

I can't even believe I'm having this conversation. I'm not going to argue about how jury duty is hurting poor people. Go ahead, don't vote and then blame it on jury duty. Fine. Whatever. But if you or anyone else expects me to somehow excuse or respect that, dream on.

[alarimer]

61. It is a problem if you cannot afford to miss work

Some people are in jobs that do not pay you when you have jury duty. In that case, the pittance they get for serving in no way makes up for the loss. If that's the case here, I do not blame her one bit. I think that there should be a law that guarantees a person's salary (or hourly wage) if they have lengthy jury service.

[bling bling]

74. Fine. So don't vote because you might possible have to be on a jury.

I give up.

[alarimer]

95. Well the person the OP is talking about is wrong about that

Registering to vote is not the only way they make up those lists in most places at least.

[Ms. Toad]

87. Somehow I suspect its not a gender thing...

Or a race thing (to which your gripe could also apply.) I've heard it from people of several races and both genders.

<<Some women today just blow my mind. Maybe you should show your friend a video of the decades long battle women fought in, starved in, marched in, etc. so that women today could just blow it off and not give a shit.>>

[mikelewis]

12. Tell her, "Only people who kill puppies don't vote."

If that doesn't work, she's probably a Republican and we're better off.

[BanzaiBonnie]

13. Does you rfriend have a driver's license?

It's my understanding that they use driver's license rolls for the lottery for jury duty.

[Rainscents]

14. They go by DL now...

This is almost all states now.

[skids]

15. Uh... they pay you for it pretty OK? n/t

[Der Blaue Engel]

19. They also get names from the DMV

So if she drives, she's already in the database.

I don't know, though; if this is the way she thinks, she might not have the capacity to make wise voting decisions anyway.

[soup]

21. Our 19 yr. old son was summoned for jury duty this week.

When he went in, whoever was handling the roll skipped a block of about 5 people mid-alphabet. He was one of those skipped over.
Excused.

A few years ago, when my husband was called for duty, turned out one of the cops in the case was one he'd had dealings with. One of the questions asked was if he felt he could trust the officer to tell the truth on the stand. He said, "Why should I? The only thing I've ever heard from him is lies."
Excused.
:rofl:

I haven't been summoned, but I've always thought of it as a civic duty. Besides, there's that $15 check. (woohoo.)

[ashling]

24. It would be great if you realized that

jury duty is vital.

[lavenderdiva]

25. I think most states use Driver's License records to subpoena jurors these

days.

funny you should post this thread, yesterday, I received a federal juror questionnaire that I have to fill out and return for the possibility of serving on a federal jury. I kind of think it might be an interesting experience. I have already served on a 1st degree murder trial & a civil trial, so this would round things out.

Before moving to my current state, I lived in Louisiana, and every 2 years, without fail, I got a jury summons. It was like clockwork. It happened so regularly, there just couldn't be a chance that this was a random selection process- which is what they told me. So now, with this summons, my 'luck' seems to be following me to this new state. By the way, earlier this year, I was summoned for a county jury trial- so this will be 2 summons in 1 year.

Just lucky I guess... :sarcasm:

[Mythsaje]

27. I'd love to be called for jury duty...

My wife was last year. Her employer paid her normal wages during the time she had to take off. This year I'm working for an employer that'll do the same thing.

Of course, I'd be a nightmare for either the prosecution or the defense, depending on the crime and the evidence presented.

I have a feeling I'd find it VERY interesting.

[Habibi]

28. I think you can just volunteer, if you want to.

[marions ghost]

29. she will get kicked off

they don't want intelligent people on juries.

If this is stopping her from voting, she wasn't much of a voter anyway.

[RebelOne]

30. Here in Georgia it is almost impossible to get out

of jury duty. You have to have a serious medical condition and that may get you out of it.

[Vinca]

31. Jury duty isn't so bad and it's a civic duty.

Tell your friend she might as well register to vote because many states use the motor vehicle registry to select jurors.

[William769]

33. It has been my experience.

The excuse your friend gives, is just that an excuse. Doesn't care to vote just won't admit thats the reason.

BTW. I don't know what State your in, but in Florida they don't use Voter registration anymore, they use Driver licenses.

[ms liberty]

34. Been registered for about 25 years; never been called.

If I was called I'd serve, I believe it's my part of my responsibility. But they probably wouldn't want me because I'm very opinionated.

I don't know what to tell you other than that - sorry!

[tammywammy]

64. I've been called twice and I've never served

The first time was just a couple of months after I turned 18. I was still in high school, so I got out of it.

And the second time, well my driver's license was still at my parents house and I was at college so I got out of it then too.

Now that I can serve, I haven't been called.

[ThomWV]

35. Most States Draw From Driver's License Rolls Too

I hope they get her and I hope the jury is sequestered and I hope the trial lasts for 3 years.

[Totally Committed]

36. I've never NOT been registered to vote, and I get called

to jury duty every 3-5 years like clockwork, but I would never let that stop me! Jury duty can be interesting, and it can be boring, but only once has it taken more than one day of my time. I see it as the price of admission to a working democracy.

That having been said, my next door neighbor feels as your friend does, and refused to register so he wouldn't be called to jury duty. Last month he was called for the first time in ten years, and he's not registered at all. Granted, it's been ten years and not 3-5, but he still got called, and he was furious! More and more often now, states are starting to used drivers lisence records than voter registration now, so your friend may be called anyway.

TC

[soup]

51. "the price of admission to a working democracy"

nicely said. Thank you.

[baldguy]

37. Fine. She doesn't want to take responsibility as a citizen.

Might as well give it to the neocons. They know what to do with it.

[undeterred]

38. I've been called ONCE in 31 years

and I've been a registered voter since I was 18. Odds are low.

[B Calm]

39. I know in Indiana if you have a driver license you're a possible juror!

[JerseygirlCT]

40. We've got a fairly good system in CT

You're called and have to show up for what is usually one morning while they sort through everyone and pick a few jurors. Mostly, working people or parents with small ones are not able to serve, and are released. Then you're off the hook for a while.

I was called a long time ago and looked at for a big capital case. I was released b/c I had a young child, but also b/c I was totally opposed to the death penalty. Not sure which did the job that time. It might have been interesting, but between a f/t job and child care demands, I could not have done it.

[winston61]

41. your friend is a douche bag-

Depending on the state if she's got a drivers licence she's on the list. I'm so sorry if she think participating the citizenship process is so inconvenient. Boo fucking hoo. Lazy shits like her make it worse for the rest of us.

[guardian]

57. She must be a self-centered rethug

What is her problem? Is she too busy making money to be part of society? I'm glad she doesn't register. Idiots like her shouldn't vote.

[alarimer]

62. She can't afford to miss work

That's what an earlier post said anyone. I don't blame her at all in that case. The $5 a day (or even if it is $50) is not nearly enough if the trial is a long one.

[Taoschick]

93. Well...

Maybe her friends, family and community can chip in and help her out as she fulfils one of the most important responsibilites of citizenship.

[alarimer]

97. Until they find a way to compensate people adequately

for this, no amount of preaching about "responsibilities of citizenship" is going to sway them. Especially if you are worried about putting food on the table.

[HockeyMom]

42. Approximately 80% of civil suits are settled out of court

I was picked in the first round selection in the Negligence suit against a Teacher's Assistant. I was a Teacher's Assistant.

The day it was scheduled to go to trial I reported to court. We sat around for 4 hours while all the parties involved talked. They settled out of court and we the jury went home.

[Jeanette in FL]

43. People like your friend make me so angry on so many levels

First off, Democracy is not a spectator sport. We all need to be involved in the process or we end up like we are right now.

Secondly, a jury of our peers is a fundamental right, should we be accused of a crime and it is a civic duty to serve if called, in order to maintain a democracy.

How many times have you heard a verdict and wondered "How in the world did they come up with that". I tell you, because supposedly smart intelligent people find reasons to get off jury duty, thus we are left with those who will serve and we will have to abide by their decisions.

I have been registered to vote since 1973 and was only called to jury duty for the first time this year. We were all dismissed because all the cases that were to be heard, pled out. I have always wanted to participate in the judicial system.

Please tell your friend that we need her participation in our fledging democracy.

[Darth_Kitten]

69. Bravo!

:D

[uppityperson]

96. Exactly. It is not a right but a duty to vote, and to be on jury if called

This is part of being a participating citizen of this country. Yes, jury duty pay is bad, but most employers pick up the remainder of your wage. I am self employed so would get the $50/day (whatever) which would be bad, but it is all citizens dutys to both vote and serve on juries.

[ulysses]

44. I used to have a friend like that

but he would have voted repuke anyway, so I didn't try to change his mind. :D

[bleedingheart]

45. it is easy to get out of jury duty, and jury duty rolls are based off

far more than just registering to vote in most states.

Here in PA it is a combination of voting, driving, and even other types of licensing..

[B Calm]

46. I'm pretty sure Washington State selects jurors from driver license rolls

[tyedyeto]

47. I just checked for Arizona...

here it's a combination of Voter Reg and Drivers Licenses.

This is from the Phoenix area but applies to the entire state:

http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/jury/faqs/faqs.asp

Where does the jury commissioner obtain names of prospective jurors?
The list of names that is used to call people for jury service is created by combining the County’s voter registration list and Arizona Department of Transportation records. Names are randomly selected from that master list by a computer program.

[LWolf]

48. Make jury duty more enticing this way:

recruit a large pool of jurors who will work for a year; train them, and pay their employers so that they will receive their full regular salary, benefits, and hold their seniority during the year that they are serving the courts.

As a teacher, a jury-duty summons is a nightmare. It means subs. A sub does not do the lesson plans, does not correct the work, does not do all of the non-student supervising tasks in the contract. To have to write sub plans because you have to show up every morning just in case they call you is ridiculous. Should you be chosen to serve, you will leave your students to a substitute for an extended period of time, but still be responsible for all the planning and other tasks. You are, in reality, working two jobs for the duration.

[No Exit]

49. If she's a democrat, she's needed on juries

especially in criminal cases. I believe democrats are fairer. And having fair people available to be on juries in criminal cases will mean less people will be saddled with felony convictions (due to ambitious prosecutors who don't care if people are guilty but just care about winning) which would make those people ineligible to vote.

It would make Our Government very happy if larger numbers of Americans were barred from voting because of a felony on their record. Our Government wants only the elite to vote. I say, the downtrodden, the fuck-ups, the "scum" that lies on the sidewalk, etc., are all FAR more fit to vote fairly than are the well-heeled--because said "scum" have experienced bad times and injustice, and are therefore more experienced in life.

[ThomWV]

50. She Sounds More Like A Selfish Piece Of Shit Who Isn't Needed Anywhere

The last place on this earth you want someone who is hostile to being where they are is on a jury. No one will be well served by this self-serving piece of shit.

[lildreamer316]

55. Please read #4. n/t

[ThomWV]

56. Just Did: So You Should Have To Act and Lie Your Way Out Of Service?

I have been called to serve four times in my life, of those 4 terms of court I have actually served on two juries, one last half a day (DUI) and the second lasted 2 days (incest, rape, all sorts of nasty shit).

Every time I've served there were people in the pool who felt that their life's needs far surpassed their community's temporary need of them. In each case the Judge showed them the error of their ways. In once event I recall a lady was somewhat adamant that she could or would not serve. The Judge politely informed her that if she was not there next session she could expect the sheriff at her door within the hour with cuffs extended. He was not kidding.

Now explain to me again how easy it is to get out of jury duty or why one would feel they had no duty to serve.

[Darth_Kitten]

70. You rock, ThomWV!!!

:bounce:

[uppityperson]

98. #4 says this, not sure what it has to do with this.

It's EASY to get out of

Just act crazy/espouse extreme or bizarre views/etc. during the selection process and you'll be off the hook.

I have medical reasons why I can't serve, otherwise I would love to be on a civil trial jury, or a criminal trial that didn't require seeing graphic autopsy photos. The court system is fascinating and I think jury duty COULD be a great experience, but IMO nobody should be forced to serve if they're adamantly opposed to it.

[ldf]

58. i'm sure someone else has already said it, but

the next time she opens her mouth to whine or complain about ANYTHING, tell her to shut the fuck up.

:grr:

it is a small price to pay.... she pays it, or she is just another parasite living off the efforts of others.

what if we didn't HAVE a justice/court system? i'm sure she'd really like THAT.

it is amazing the number of people who will sit on their ass and expect other people to shoulder the burden.

[AlCzervik]

59. in Ca most of the jury pool is from DMV records.

[shanti]

75. motor voter, yep

kind of hard to get out of that one, unless you don't drive OR vote.

[AlCzervik]

78. i don't mind jury duty, i've been called twice here in 6 years

and served on the jury one of those times.

[shanti]

91. me too

i was on a murder trial....not fun.

[alarimer]

60. Here it has nothing to do with registering to vote

They use driver's license rolls. So she may get called anyway.

[Berry Cool]

65. I got called up once and I was not registered to vote OR even to drive!

So why should she think not being registered to vote would save her, even if it was worth it?

Even if you get picked, it doesn't mean you will serve on an actual jury. The case I was pulled up for was a DUI. I came in with a lot of other potential jurors, and we sat and saw whose names would be picked. If your name was picked, you had to sit in a juror's seat and answer questions from both lawyers (voir dire) so they could determine whether they wanted us on the jury or not (they get to dismiss and choose who they want until they have chosen 12 and an alternate).

The second I told the defense lawyer that I thought there was no justification whatsoever for getting behind the wheel after having had even one drink, I was dismissed.

Also, if he'd asked me if I'd ever gotten behind the wheel after having just one drink, I could honestly have said no. Few people can say that. DUI defense attorneys WANT people on the jury who have had "a" drink and driven a few times in their lives. They figure that kind of person can more easily relate to the guy who has a few too many and gets behind the wheel. They don't want me, you can believe that! They want someone who's going to feel sorry for the poor schlub for getting caught--not someone who thinks you have no business hoisting a few and then declaring yourself fit judge of whether or not you are good to drive.

Your friend, should she get called up, would never have to worry about being seated on a jury if she would only remember, should she get as far as I did, that expressing a belief that worries either lawyer about how useful she will be to getting their desired result will get her out of the seat of potential picks in a flash.

[alarimer]

94. I have been called a few times but never chosen

Most of the panels I was on were not needed, other times I was just an extra. So at most it cost me half a day. I might have had to be on call for a day or so. It is true that most trials (if you get that far) last only a day or so, which I wouldn't mind, but my biggest fear is landing on the OJ Simpson trial or equivalent! Imagine having to be sequestered for six months! I would lose my mind for sure. I don't know how they did it but I sure hope they made a lot of money off the books they wrote. It's the only thing that would have made it worth while. I am not even sure they could hold my job that long. But the vast majority of juries are not like that so I am worrying for nothing.

[lonestarnot]

66. Jury duty is a patriot duty. Avoiding is shameful.

[Maiden England]

67. I'm not even a citizen (or registered voter) and I got called

So it has nothing to do with that whatsoever. I assume they got my name from either my driver's licence or I guess maybe the land registry as I own property, because I'm obviously not registered to vote.

Either way, I had a killer excuse to get out of it!

[Darth_Kitten]

68. Let's leave jury duty to the dregs of our society.....

I mean, why should anybody have accountability or responsibility for their communities? Why should we have bright, committed individuals serving on life and death cases?

Why vote, why care?

[MercutioATC]

76. A SUREFIRE way to get out of jury duty:

During voire dire say "Well, the police don't arrest innocent people".

Automatic exclusion.


(I'm not advocating avoiding one's civil duty, but it'll work)

[Skidmore]

82. Your friend is doubly a fool. Both are civic responsibilities.

She wants the benefits and rights of citizenship but not the responsiblities.

As for not believing in the jury system, I'd take my chances any day with a jury of my peers over one judge.

[FILAM23]

83. In Texas

they use DL for jury duty.
Within the past 7 years every member of my household
has been called at least twice. Only my son was ever
actually picked for duty. I can see where a long drawn out
case could be a financial burden to many people. What is ironic
is my wife has been summoned the most and she is not eligible
for jury duty because she is not a citizen

[bamacrat]

84. My mom does that, always poked fun ate her for it. But oh well

[Cleita]

85. My in-laws both didn't register for the same reason and they

were called up anyway. Voter registration isn't the only sources used. They believe that there were taken from the DMV rolls.

[Blue_Tires]

89. well i certainly hope

she doesn't have the nerve to ask for a jury trial the next time she's in court for whatever reason!

[Bunny]

90. Tell your friend to shut up and do her duty as a citizen.

We all have to take our turn if called. Anyone who disregards a constitutional right because they may have to fulfill their duty is a jerk, IMO.

[Octafish]

92. Arlington National Cemetery...

...and a whole bunch more places around the globe are filled with Americans who gave their lives so she could vote.

Posers like Bush -- and real responsibilities shirking jury duty -- are completely small in comparison.

[pinto]

99. Sorry to hear that. She's missing out.

[Odin2005]

100. It's self-centered fucks like her that are ruining this country.

It reminds me of an interesting thing I read on the governance of the Roman Enpire. Imperial administration became more and more centralized, buruearucratic, and autocratic as time went on not because emperors wanted absolute power over thier subjects, but because the local governments basically disintergrated as a sense of civic duty disappeared, forcing the empire to be run by an ever expanding centralized bureaucracy.