I've been called for jury duty but have classes what can I do?

Question

So I was called a few months back and postponed it to a future date, but the problem was when I called I had to make my decision right there and then, and I didn't have my schedule for my next school quarter finalized, turns out I had a midterm the day I was supposed to go, so I just didn't go.

Now I got one of those red notices telling me I have to go tomorrow or else I'll be fined, arrested, whatever. So I am going to have to miss class to make it which sucks because it is the second to the last week of classes for genetics and I'm not going all that great in the first place. I'm worried they'll try to make me stay for the week, what can I do to convince them to let me go? I can't miss the last week of classes and possibly finals week.

Answer 1

Just report to court and when they call your name tell the judge the circumstances and I'm sure he will work with you. I really don't think it will be a problem.

Answer 2

If you can't get out of it all you have to do is get it documented and submit it to your school.  You should be allowed to make up your work and tests.  Talk to your professors and ask them if they record their class or find another student who does record it (either audio or video).  It will be like you never missed class (well sorta).  If that doesn't work borrow someone's notes; someone who takes good notes.

Answer 3

Show your teacher the notice .. he/she  can't force you to break the law ..... As far as spending more than one day in jury duty , you can always make sure you are not picked for a jury .

Answer 4

You had best go talk to the appropriate person at the court.

Don't expect much, though.  Here's how they are going to see it:

You were allowed to postpone your jury duty for good reason. It was your responsibility to pick a time you could be there.  You did not do that--you picked a date when you knew classes were in session and you might have a conflict.  In addition, you are now in contempt of court.

And--not that I'm unsympathetic--but they are right.  Take a lesson from this: when you are an adult, you have obligations.  Excuses don't cut it.  "I didn't mean to" or "I didn't have my schedule finalized" doesn't cut it. That tells me--and will tell the court--you knew you had jury duty and scheduled classes  that conflicted.

Like I said--learn from this. Being irresponsible is not how you get along.  When you are irresponsible, you have to take the consequences when you are an adult.