Is it ethical to be a jury member if your husband is already its member?

Question

Is there any law, or acredited article, against this?
Thank you for your contribution.

Ps. Its a Ph.D defense jury.

Answer 1

In the US, there are no administrative prohibitions against any persons related to one another serving on the same PhD defense committee.

PhD students usually choose their own committees, and anyone asked to serve can choose to do so, or decline.

When I was a PhD student, two of the professors in my department were married to one another, and they often served on the same PhD committees.

I fail to see how this could be seen as a violation of ethics. Just because two people are married to one another does not mean that they are incapable of independently evaluating the work of a student.

Answer 2

Although I've never heard of any laws prohibiting two members of the same family being on a jury, I'm sure it wouldn't be allowed nor would it be considered ethical. It would be an unfair jury vote for both the plaintiff and defendant because of the natural pressure the husband would have on the wife, or vice versa. And should this fact not be revealed during voir dire but come out at a later time, it would be grounds for an appeal (at the least) and/or a mistrial (at the most)...not to mention a possible fine or imprisonment of the husband and wife.

Answer 3

That's a very interesting question. I would say something to someone in charge. There are pretty big rules about disclosing information when it comes to laws in court rooms. Better to be safe than sorry.

Answer 4

Ask! You should ask. Not saying anything is Unethical! they may disqualify you, but that is only right. That would actually show integrity on your part. Our Justice System is based on honesty and fairness, and not checking would be a failure in our system.

Answer 5

well, is it a trial against your kids? i dont think so....i wouldnt say anything