Sunday back home

[dayspring39]

back once again... I have been on three juries... one a murder case, one civil and one a drug case... not sure why I get picked but will serve when ever I can... I feel like many have said it is our civic duty... after the Casey Anthony case I said I would never get involved on the tv well I did on the George Zimmerman case... I thought he was innocent... glad it is over... however I do grieve with Travon's family... it is so sad...
Hot here... have much to do before my injections Tuesday morning... Soos enjoy that little one winter will come fast and you will be gone until spring...
Kathleen

[judi]

Sandi, I am so sorry that you had to go through such a tragic event. And I agree with you about jury duty. It is our duty to serve if called, and some of the excuses I have heard are crazy. I wish you peace.

Judi

[WickedLady]

If you are confronted by someone with a gun and you defend yourself by fighting back just who is the victim here?

[Bethers]

Sandi, then there are those of us who would serve, and they release us ... for reasons I'll never figure out. I was released from even getting asked the questions because I always have not "passed" the judges questions. Once it was because my brother had gone to the same law school as one of the attorneys - not even during the same years! I must admit though, that I didn't argue about that one, as the man was accused of murder - by stomping someone to death. And when I saw him I had no doubt he had done it. So, yes, looks do give a first impression. He wasn't poor, just gigantic - muscles everywhere. But I would have served.

I have served on only one jury (the only time not released for some strange reason) which involved drunk driving ... there were several parties involved and when one settled, they had to release all of us and start from scratch. I learned afterwards that this had already happened twice before. The costs to our judicial system - so I know there were 4 juries for this case - have no idea if more.

It would be hard for me to serve now - as I'm never near my "home" state ... but certainly would if I could.

Will not comment on how I feel about the case mentioned ... just that no matter how it went, it was going to be a mess.

[BayouLady]

First time I got a notice, it was during the week that I was going on the cruise, so needless to say, went to the courthouse with my ticket, excused.

Then another time, it was going to be a 3 month trial and I had just started a new job. It was an asbestos case and about thirty people involved. I end up telling the judge by the end of this, I'm not going to care who get what from whom because I'll be going to work before and after the jury duty everyday and it was going to cause financial hardship. Judge made me sit there til 5pm and finally told me I could go. Cases that are going to be that long really should have a special pool of people to pull from that can do that.

Then I had one that I finally got picked for YEAH! Never actually done that, I was excited to be involved in it because it was going to be a one day trial. Got there the next morning and wouldn't you know it, they settled ! BUMMER

The last one was going to be a one day cocaine case and because I work in the beverage industry, that disqualified me.

So as of yet, never really served.

[rvgrammy1953]

Ernie & I are both Army Vets....(Ernie retired after 24 yrs...me, 6 yrs. then I was his dependent, following him around the world 18 yrs.) In PA we are excused from jury duty because of our military service, unless when called we volunteer for it.....We both have served on a jury since he retired.....both got picked....both cases were settled out of court....

[Nasoosie]

My excuses were legit----single parent at the time with young kids home alone after school. And then, one other time, a child abuse case and I had the child in my classes at school. It's not that I was unwilling, but that I simply had real reasons for not being able to serve.

If I were to get asked now, I would probably enjoy doing it, and I have the time, depending on where I am at what season of the year. Do they opt you out after a certain age, as I have not been asked in many years now?

I remember that my grandmother in Connecticut absolutely loved serving on jury duty.

[mitch5252]

..
I don't think you are not called due to age. George got a jury summons when he was maybe 78 or 79. I called the court and told them George had dementia. I was instructed to get a letter from his doctor outlining his medical issues and forward it to the court. Luckily, I was given enough time to get that done.

I served on one jury years ago - sexual assault. Man raped a young boy (like 12). Man dropped his wallet at the scene. We convicted.
..

[SoCalGalcas]

I agree the Zimmerman case was going to be trouble/a mess no matter how it turned out. I cannot serve now because of my hearing. When I was a resident of Texas, everyone over age 72 was excused. Several years ago I served on a Grand Jury case. Drug smuggling. It was fascinating and I loved every minute. I also served on a Superior Court case...I was surprised they accepted me as the plaintiff was suing for a neck injury and I was working as an orthopedic nurse! I agree each person should serve when called. Sandi, am also sorry you had to go through that tragedy. lyn

[dpf]

I've never served on jury duty since I have never been called. Chances are if I were called I would be dismissed because I work in a prison.

Okay, I'm not making any statement here...just repeating what was said. One day during a break some of my workers were discussing their trials. One inmate said "I was found guilty by 12 jury members who weren't smart enough to come up with a good excuse to get off jury duty." Unfortunately sometimes I when hear the outcome of some high profile cases I tend to think that might be true. No actually I think it might be which side has the shiftiest lawyer. I have a very low opinion of lawyers.

[OregonLuvr]

I keep getting jury summons a couple of times a year. WHY?????? I kept sending the form in with my Green Card A# and they still keep sending me one. I have started just throwing them away.......sigh.

karen