How can a poor college student survive during jury duty?

Question

Hello, I have been summoned for jury duty. I don't even know if I will have to report yet. I know how to get out of jury duty but I do not want to as I believe it is one's civil duty. However, I work forty hours a week and go to college. I barely make ends meet as it is. I know they pay you a very small stipend, but what can one do to survive if he or she is chosen and is involved in a lengthy trial? Can he or she apply for funding? Thanks.

Answer 1

Can't you just get out of it?

Answer 2

you get paid for being there : )

Answer 3

Claim undue poverty - the judge should let you out of it.  You have just as much civic duty to become a successful citizen as you do to appear for jury duty.

Answer 4

explain to the clerk of court the hardship it would cause, you can be dismissed for hardship reasons.

Answer 5

Tell it to the judge.

Answer 6

I'm with you on feeling it is your civic duty, but you have a legitimate reason for not being able to do it this time.  I was called to JD once and did receive a VERY small stipend and was not paid by my company.  There are some, however, that will pay your regular wage, so you might want to check into that first.

Considering your circumstances, I would ask to be released from that duty.  Besides if you are currently a student and the process was lengthy, you would miss many classes and would probably not be able to make up that much material.

Answer 7

You could work at night as a prostitute.

Answer 8

IDK about getting funding, but I would submit that under those circumstances, it isn't defaulting on your civic duty to request being excused.  At a time when you are more able to afford the time away from the real world, you will undoubtedly be able to fulfill it.

Answer 9

Send a letter explaining your circumstances. I explained that at my job I worked for commission only. Not only would I be hurt financially but I would hurt the business where I worked since there were only two sales people. The way the sales commission was set up, if I were away from work on jury duty I would likely be fire the next month because of my lack of sales during that time. Be honest and be nice. You may be able to shirk your civic duty. I did.