Is there a way to get out of jury duty?

Question

Does anyone have any stories about how awful YOUR juror experience was?

Answer 1

1.  Cops CAN serve on juries as long as they don't personally know anyone associated with the case.  (Supreme Court of the US said so about 8-10 years ago, I believe.)

2.  Getting out of jury duties is, in essence, a states' rights sort of thing.  Each state has its own rules about who MUST serve, who must NOT serve, and who CAN serve.  In Louisiana, you get exemptions for age, deafness or blindness, learning disabilities, and a couple of lesser options.  You do not get out of jury duty by being temporarily sick.  You just put off the inevitable.

3.  No matter HOW awful your jury experience might have been, just imagine the horror of the rape victim whose assailant walked because no jury could be seated.  Because SELFISH, IMMATURE BRATS tried to weasel out of one of the most basic civic duties there is.

Yeah, that's harsh.  It was meant to be.  Jury duty, despite the boredom, is like being on the front lines of one of the most important battles there is - right vs. wrong at the civic level.

Answer 2

If you are a single parent as I once was I received an extention for not having to serve  while I worked but three years later I was called again and had to serve. I guess a medical leave might also excuse you too consult your local court house they will tell you....

Answer 3

Become a cop, they don't serve. In California police officers are excused from serving and unless it is a cop that is being tried, their is not one defense lawyer that would seat a sworn police officer, that is, unless the lawyer didn't like their client and wanted a conviction.

Answer 4

over 90% of the time, you show up, they pick someone else, and you go home.  Just do it and get past it.

The one time I did serve, they said it would be a five week trial and it ended up being 5 months.  The attornies on both sides were idiots and the judge was a lump.  Even so, I would not hesitate to serve again because it is an important part of living in a democracy as a control over an uncaring government

Answer 5

Have an opinion about the case & already decide before you hear from both sides. Oh yeah, & be vocal about it.

Answer 6

ways out of jury duty:

1) be out of the country

2) have an illness that prevents you from serving

3) go interview and have very strong opinions.

Have never been called up for jury duty have responded twice to summons that I might be called in during a several month period but have never been called.

My sister has been out of country, sick and getting married

my father has WAY strong opinions and has been turned down several times - much to his sorrow

Answer 7

two words: "Hang 'em"