What's it like?

Question

I have received a letter in the mail that I have for the very first time been summoned to jury duty. I really don't want to go for the few reasons. One reason is because I don't like the thought of me stepping foot inside a courtroom. The next reason is I don't want to make the decision whether or not to put someone away for good on account of my decision along with everyone else, especially if the convicted was actually innocent. What is it like being in jury duty?

Answer 1

WELL ITS NOT THAT BAD AND YOU MOST LIKELY WILL NOT BE ASSIGNED TO A MURDER CASE OR ANY OTHER CASE THAT YOU'LL PUT SOMEONE AWAY FOR LIFE. THERE IS A CHANCE BUT VERY SMALL. IF THE PERSON IS INNOCENT THAN YOU CAN GIVE YOUR OPINION AND THE PERSON WILL GET DUE PROCESS.

Answer 2

Boring, mostly. But if you don't go, you can get a very expensive ticket.

Answer 3

The likelihood of being put on a murder case is tiny, most court cases are actually rather boring, and fairly clear-cut.  The sensational ones make the news, but most of them are straightforward and rather silly, in a "why would you take this to court" kind of way.  You're far more likely to deal with something relatively un-interesting, like tax laws.

As to not liking the thought of stepping inside a courtroom, sorry, that excuse really does not hold water.  Courtrooms are what keeps the country from being overtaken by chaos - the process of justice.  It's a duty mandated by your American citizenship, and a tiny repayment for all the rights you enjoy as an American citizen.  If you don't want to serve on a jury, then give up your rights - it's only fair.

Answer 4

Show up or face possible jail time for not responding. When asked if you have strong opinions either way, answer the question with a definite yes. If you have children you keep at home, bring them to court with you as an excuse you cannot participate. A medical note and age should also relieve you of duty. Nonetheless, call the court and ask what are acceptable reaaons for not attending.

BTW, registering to vote is what puts you on this list to be summoned for jury duty.

Answer 5

That's what they have jury trials for.  To let people like you make an informed decision, based on the evidence, whether or not a person is innocent or guilty.  If your mind is not open enough to make that informed decision, then answer their questions during voir dire to give them the impression that you would not be a good candidate to keep on the jury.  You have to figure out those answers for yourself, however.

Answer 6

Most of the time when you go to jury duty they ask you a lot of questions on what you think about some things and see what your views are about some things.  Then you just might not qualify to sit on the jury.  So you go home and call it a day.  I don't know about where your from but that is how it happened for me.  You can also get out of it if someone in your house hold is solely depended upon you.