Do you dodge jury duty, and how?

Question

I just ignore the letters.

My state changed the law so that the max fine is $500. It used to be only $100.

I get a card in the mail about once every 18 months. I have been ignoring them for 22 years.

I don’t believe in the system. I don’t want the to be responsible for putting someone in prison, or such because I don’t believe that prison does any good.

I could never give anyone the death penalty. I am a Buddhist.

Answer 1

I'm in a wheelchair they never keep me!

Answer 2

Just tell the judge that you have an innate ability to simply look at a person and know if they are guilty or not guilty and that's the only way you can tell. The method works 100% of the time for you and you are never mistaken. Also tell the judge that you are eager to serve on a jury.

Just keep ignoring the notices and use the above in case they ever catch up with you.

Answer 3

Personally, I wouldn't mind having an opportunity to voice my opinion. I would use this opportunity to change the law, jurors have that right.

Anyhow, if you don't want to be a juror it is easy to get out; jury summons always have fatal defects and are therefore void ab initio. Here is an example letter:
http://www.originalintent.org/edu/juryletter.php

To date, this jury letter has had a 100% success rate at stopping the jury summons process concerning the Citizens who have used it in LA County.

Sincerely, Zach Doty

PS. That letter may be a bit confusing without a proper understanding of citizenship and the 14th Amendment. You might need to read their article on citizenship too: http://www.originalintent.org/edu/citizenship.php

Answer 4

Used to be jurors were selected from voters registrations. Many now use drivers license lists. Tell the court you are prejudice, don't believe in death penalty, religious beliefs don't allow, defendants are guilty if arrested, or pretty much any of the sort. I wouldn't ignore it though if you receive a notice from the court, or you might find yourself on the other side of the coin. Too much potential trouble to not just deal with it...

Answer 5

I've never dodged jury duty in my life. For a few years shortly after I turned 18, I got a jury summons every two years. (Pennsylvania can't summon you more frequently than that.) A few months after one of these state summons, I got one for federal court that I had to drive to Philly for.

I've reported for every summons as I was supposed to, but I've never been picked to sit on a jury, mainly because my uncle is a cop. However, I think I'm one of the few people who actually WANTS to sit on a jury. I consider jury duty, like voting and paying my taxes, to be my civic duty, part of my responsibility to help hold together the great nation that is America.

Answer 6

It's your privilege and responsibility as a citizen to participate in the jury system. When they call you, go. When they interview you tell them what you told us. Also tell them that you don't believe in the death penalty. They'll send you home and you will have done your duty. You'll meet some interesting people. Take a good book or some knitting.

Answer 7

if u have made it this long dont rock the boat. but u can show up the first time they just ask you can u participate. a lot of people say they are ill and cant. that works if you really have a condition or at least be believeable when u say u do:) they even call u up one by one to see if you can do it. fazedfairy is right they wont use if ur against the death penalty either

Answer 8

I would like to know what you think the criminals should do then. If someone beats the hell out of your Mom or wife and steals their car, you don't think they should be punished for this? That's insane. Do you think we should just tell them, "no, no, now you shouldn't do that?" Get real. I just served on a jury last month and I was very satisfied with the outcome. If someone is cheating the system and I have to pay more because of it, or if they steal or kill, they need to pay for it. I don't mind at all handing out the justice and punishment.

Answer 9

Well if I were falsely accused of a crime I sure would hope that whomever got jury duty my week would take it seriously and hear me out. I would never dodge jury duty. I pull off to the right side of the road for emergency vehicles. Certain duties come with our society and if I were in need, I hope others would act as I do to allow my life, liberty, or property to be saved.

Answer 10

I only got one notice before, but I took the legal route and was excused because I was in school...yeah, I think eventually they'll catch up with you.

After reading your details, I'm pretty sure you can be excused from most cases (involving death penalty anyways). They never use people who are against the idea, or refuse to participate because of their beliefs, which you are allowed to do. They won't force you to make decisions you are uncomfortable with.

Answer 11

I don't serve on juries. I get a medical excuse from my doctor. In some counties, the presiding judge will get the sheriff to round up people who do what you do. Those people sometimes get cited for Contempt. Don't tell anyone where you live.