jury duty......?

Question

what happens if i don't respond to my summons for jury duty?

Answer 1

I cannot speak to other jurisdictions, but in California you will be cited for contempt of court, and at least fined. If you don't respond to the contempt citation, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. I don't advise either ignoring it or throwing it away. It is not too helpful to say you didn't get it AFTER you have been arrested.

Answer 2

You could be arrested. Probably not.

Just remember, lawyers and especially judges, do not like to hear that you believe in "jury nullification".

Going back to the days of William Penn (of "Penn"sylvania fame) the principle was established in British/American common law, that a jury can decide that a law is unjust and refuse to convict. ("nullify" the law). The judge in London ordered the jury in Penn's case (sedition against the Church of England) locked up until they came to a guilty verdict. After several months, they were set free by a higher court who said that the jury does not have to do what a judge orders - they can decide their own mind on the charges and the law.

Nullification got a bad rap in the 50's and 60's (ML King mentions it in "I Have A Dream") because people charged with violence against blacks during the pre-civil-rights era were acquitted by all-white juries even though they were blatantly guilty.

The judicial system would like you to be a good boy and agree with the court that the evidence shows the defendant is guilty, it's nice and tidy for the whole system. In fact, if you feel the law, the actions of the police, the actions of the court, or the possible sentence are an offence to natural justice, you may choose to acquit. It is your right as a juror.

Of course, if you tell the court this at the time of the selection, you probably will NOT be picked to sit on the jury, even though you are right.

Answer 3

Probably nothing. But do respond. Its the law.

They most likely will call you the day before you are to show up and tell you not to bother. They always summon far far far more people than they need. The slots fill up quickly and there are not very many of them. Few cases got to trial.

It has happened to me three times. I was disappointed. I wanted to be on a jury.

Answer 4

You could be arrested. It is your duty to report. People scream about how criminals aren't punished by the courts and they they don't want to serve on a jury.

Answer 5

you get held in contempt.. just call the number on the summons the day before.. half of the time your number isn't up and you don't even have to show, but they still give you credit for going (in IL, at least...) if that doesn't work, call the other number and say you cannot make it.. you'll get a 6 month continuence and they'll resummon you (at which point you call back because your diseased aunt died.. etc)

Answer 6

Sometimes nothing. Sometimes the cops come and get you and take you to court...maybe in your pjs. Might as well fill out the delay or whatever they're calling that now. Mine just went out in the mail.

Answer 7

They may send the sheriff to arrest you for contempt of court.

Answer 8

I always throw mine away. They can't prove that I received it in the mail. Mail gets lost all the time. If they call you tell them you didn't get anything.

Answer 9

All those who have given their lives so that our system of justice could endure will have died in vain.

Answer 10

They come after you