What's your favorite excuse for getting out of jury duty?

Question

As a judicial clerk, I heard several excuses from "I'm going to see the Dalai Lama" to "I don't believe in judging people". What's yours?

Answer 1

Not believing in judging people won't get you out of it. They'll say you're not judging the defendent, you're judging the merits of the case.

One good one, assuming you don't have small children and are not a paroled felon, is to be a contractor. If you're a contractor, you don't get paid unless you work. A lengthy trial could really hurt you financially.
If it's a murder trial, you can claim to be religiously opposed to capital punishment, you will never ever recommend a death penalty for anybody. That might get you booted by the prosecutor.

Don't lie to them. If they find out you're lying to get out of jury duty, then can hold you in contempt and actually put you in jail.

And then there's the best way of all, but the one few people dare to try. The last time I was called, it happened to be for a murder and I actually wanted to be on the jury. The lawyers questioned us all to find out who should stay and who should go, and everyone they talked to had some excuse for why they shouldn't serve. they're contractors, they have small children, they can't be away from home for 3 weeks, they have religious beliefs, yada yada yada. The defense was annoyed at this point so he asked, "How many people here do NOT have a reason why they should not serve?" I raised my hand, looked around to see I was the ONLY one with a raised hand. He cameover and asked me why. i said, I don't have to worry about money, my company will pay my full salary while I'm out. I live alone so there's no reason why I have to be at home. I'm an atheist so I have no problem with the laws od the land. and lastly, I said I was interested in the process. I was curious about how trials worked and I thought being a part of one would be an interesting experience.

They booted me immediately. I still don't know why. Ironic that the only one there who wanted to be there was asked to leave, huh? Anyway, if you act gung-ho and all jazzed up about being a part of it, they may decide to release you like they did me.

Answer 2

I use to be able to use the excuse all my childern under the age of 10, they are all grown now. I did have jury duty in may but got it rescheduled to Dec. I never want to serve on a jury! I have been through 2 trials with 2 of my childern, 1 turned out bad and the other could have been better. So I now need an excuse to not go in Dec. Can you give me a good one?

Answer 3

I don't mind doing jury duty. It's usually interesting. Or if it's not for a federal court, I bring work and catch up on it while I wait. After they dismiss us, we get 6 dollars! Lunch money! And it doesn't come up that often... I've had jury duty maybe twice in the last 10 years. Then again, I live in a big city. Maybe that's why?

Answer 4

I have been summoned three times all before I was twenty-three (somehow that doesn't seem fair since I know plenty of people older then me like in their forties that have never been summoned, but that's not the point right.) The first time I served was in county court, I served on one trial which lasted three days. The second summons was for federal court which is held about three hours away from where I live, I had a one year old and no way to get there. They excused me from having to serve. The third was county court and I received the summons the day I had given birth to my daughter, needles to say they let me off.

Answer 5

I like jury duty. The only people I know who don't like it are people who are missing work and not getting paid...or people who have never actually had jury duty and keep weasling their way out of it. I think it's a cool way to see how our judicial system works.

Answer 6

I'd like the chance to be on a jury. Unfortunately the only time I was ever called, I was a student and the trial was scheduled for finals week.

Answer 7

Mine was surefire and it was true. I was called to serve on a murder case and I was a former felon. I didn't want to mess up anything on a technicality by being on the jury. I also felt the accused had accidentally killed the victim, and that is already having an opinion isn't it?

Answer 8

I'd like to do jury duty but no one's ever asked me.

Answer 9

My friend Lenny, (Whom you DO NOT want on your jury) uses anal leakage as his excuse. Works every time.

Answer 10

i don't, although it can be uncomfortable sitting and listening for long periods and dealing with other jurors who come in with their personal agendas i feel its not only my duty but my right as a citizen.