Is forced JURY DUTY legal?

Question

My 20 year old daughter was summoned for jury duty at the federal district court in Philadelphia even though she lives over 2 hours away! She wrote a letter asking to be excused because of no transportation and financial hardship and they refused!
How can they get away with dragging a kid without a car or money that far away into a big city she's unfamiliar with. They claim they reimburse expenses later but you have to pay your bus fare, possible lodging etc. yourself up front.
They should only be calling people from their own local community,where it doesn't pose a hardship, not that far away.
I thought this was a free country, not a police state.
What happens if she doesn't show up?

Answer 1

Federal Jury Duty Philadelphia

Answer 2

She does have to show up. I know it can be tough, but without citizens doing this very important duty, justice doesn't get done. Every different area has its own rules about jury duty, and federal jury duty is different from state or local jury duty.

Since it is *federal* jury duty, her being only 2 hours away is actually very local.

I don't know what the specific repurcussions might be, but they can be very serious, so make sure she goes. Her employer can't penalize her for reporting to jury duty--she just has to make them aware of it.

And, she's twenty--you call her a kid, but she's been able to vote for 2 years, so she's an adult. Kids aren't asked to do jury duty; adults are.

If she's picked to be on a jury, she's going to be part of the deciding force in someone's life for liberty and possibly life, depending on the seriousness of the charge.

I think a two hour commute, while sucky, is actually quite a little bit of an inconvenience compared to that.

And I know you will hate this answer because you're looking for people to back you up, but you need to look at the larger picture.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Is forced JURY DUTY legal?
My 20 year old daughter was summoned for jury duty at the federal district court in Philadelphia even though she lives over 2 hours away! She wrote a letter asking to be excused because of no transportation and financial hardship and they refused!
How can they get away with dragging a kid without...

Answer 4

It is Legal to force someone onto a Jury unless the person turns out to be a Minor or the person happens to have a Medical condition or they are Disabled.

Im Autistic myself and a Friend of mine who is as well was gonna be called for Jury Duty but cause of Autism he was let off.

Of course in my case I would prolly be let off not just cause of Autism but cause of some of my Viewpoints such as the fact I support the Death Penalty and if I was ever called to Jury Duty and asked my Viewpoints no way am I gonna lie about my viewpoints even if it means getting let off the Jury.

Cause I make no secret of where I stand on issues even if it would deem me too biased for a Jury.

Of course then again I prolly would be better at Jury Duty than my Friend cause of all the Political Knowledge I do have but still if I ever get called to ury Duty and I get let off cause of my views i'd be like well ok fine with me.

This is indeed a Free Country but when you are registered to Vote you make yourself eligible to be called for Jury Duty and loads get a chance to serve because we have a Trial by Jury system so that one can have a right to have a Trial where their fate is decided by regular people and sometimes one is drafted into Jury Duty.

A Teacher I use to have was gonna be on the Federal Grand Jury but she got off because her Husband worked for General Motors (so does my Dad) and what happened was some car parts were stolen from GM and taken across State Lines.

I know I would be let off of a Jury in a General Motors case if ever called to one because im the Son of a GM Employee.

Maybe your Daughter will be let off after they ask her Questions.

Answer 5

the way i have come to understand the rule or law is that it is every Americana's job/duty to do jury duty. It is part of being an American citizen. I am not sure what document it is in but it says you will be tried by a jury of your peers. and it is a crime to not report to jury duty and you can be fined or tried for not showing up. It sucks alot, but they do reimburse you for your lose of work. i know if you are unemployed or a student in NY it is 50 bucks/ day for a city court that's what i got, but for federal i am sure it is more. They don't look at it as a punishment they see it more of as a chance for the Americans to participate in their government. I agree it totally sucks that you have no choice but to go. But they ask 100's of people and they only take like 15-20 so your odds of getting picked are really slim. the process is rather annoying and takes forever (I suggest bringing and ipod or news paper). But if ya really want to get out of it, be obstinate and argumentative if the lawyers talk to you. they don't like that... hope this helps.

Answer 6

Since its Federal and not a local case its a different set of rules. I'm sorry to hear the judge was such a hard ***, THE WAY FOR HER TO GET OUT OF IT IS SIMPLE. When they put her on the stand to question her about the fair and impartial ability to be a jury member, she can simply say she's already made up her mind about the case and "this is her decision" and then she should give her decision to them. That is IF she knows what the case is about. Trust me, there's no way the opposing counsel will leave her on the jury with her mind made up against them. Would you?

Answer 7

No, sorry man. It's clearly a police state. Have you noticed the President lately? Yep, definitely a police state.
By the way, you can be jailed for refusing jury duty, which is an obligation of your citizenship. You vote, you do jury duty, and military service as required. Such is the price of democracy.

Answer 8

Talking about civil duty and best for the court process. BS How about the judge or the lawyers get paid $10 each day of service. Make it a little more conveniencing at least and they might find less excuses.

Answer 9

she could be fined, found in contempt and arrested, depends on the customs of the court.

Yes this is the law and it is legal and done every day. They pull from anyone within thier court area, and try and get the largest group of different types of jury possible.

Answer 10

I totally agree with you Free my *** the only thing free that they have not thought a way to charge for is the air but soon they will find a way to make us pay for that too.
and if she don't show up they will issue a bench warrent for her and she will have to spend a little time in jail for not showing up to court best of luck and i hope that i have helped