Jury Duty: 9 out of 10 do not show up?

Question

I served my duty this past Tuesday at the Vista, California, Court House. We all got a pep talk from a judge about how valuable our service was. In his speech he said that 9 out of 10 who get their summons do not show up. That got me to thinking: If 90 percent do not come, then I could have completely ignored this and not show up! There appears that there are no consequences for ignoring a Jury Duty summons, considering the Judge is correct and the high numbers he claims. So I am confused! Is he correct that 10 percent appear, and and I correct in assuming nothing will happen if a person does not appear?

Answer 1

That percentage will vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.  From my experience in the Courts, it is not wise to avoid a jury notice.  In fact, we had a crack down here and many people were 'escorted' to the courthouse by the Sheriff's department.  

Be glad and proud you served on a jury.  I have been called twice and didn't even get a voir dire question asked to me because they knew I was an attorney and just had me struck for cause!

Answer 2

not only that, but of those that do show, countless are released for medical and personal greivances.  more are whittled down by lawyers and judges.  even more are ruled ineligible.  id say about 65000 people are selecetd for a case only 12 (14 with alternates) will hear.