can i refuse to be a juror?

Question

can i say that i m holding italian passport and i cannot judge english citizen?

thanks "groovymaude" but why as italian working in uk i need to do this?

it is not enough to pay tax to this country?

Answer 1

I don't think so.

However you can certainly get excused from a trial. Just tell them you're a big believer in Jury Nullification, which is a right we all have as juror's, but are never told about.

Essentially, as a juror, you have the power to decide not just if someone is guilty of a crime, but whether the law is just or not, or whether it is being applied appropriately. This is the reason some juries acquit people even though it's obvious they are guilty.

Answer 2

If you're in the UK no, there are certain circumstances/professions, in which you wil be excused, but generally speaking, no you can't just refuse.



Are you permanently resident in England? Your name must be on the electoral role, to be summoned for jury service.

I would reccomend a quick visit or phone call to the court office - explain the circumstances.Please don't, just not turn up, they could end up coming looking for you! - not sure how often they still do that - but they may!

Obviously due to the random nature of jury selection process, they won't be aware of your particular circumstances, Hope that helps a bit!

Answer 3

If you are a citizen, you have to turn up when summoned, and serve if selected to do so. Having dual nationality doesn't help you.

If you are a citizen, and want to live in the county, you have some obligations to the country. One is paying taxes; another is serving on a jury when asked.

Answer 4

Legally you cannot refuse. It is your right and RESPONSIBILITY to serve on a jury if called. The odds however are that you wont be chosen. If you listen to the poster who suggested you pretend to have certain attitudes that would make you unnacceptable as a juror, you could possibly be arrested and/or fined. Trying to get excused from jury duty by faking or lying about your attitude is crime that they can and WILL prosecute you for. Don't play any stupid games with your freedom.

Answer 5

You can refuse if you want to (free speech) but the courts won't dismiss you simply because you say you refuse to be there for JS (jury selection). Some people get excused for various reasons: prejudice; they've already made up their mind about a verdict before hearing the case and seeing evidence; mothers who are breastfeeding, sick person in family, etc.

Answer 6

Read the material mailed to you - if you fall within the guidlines of disqualificaiton - then let them know. If not, appear and once you're being interviewed to be on a jury, tell them you totally believe in the death penalty and want the guy to hang or you are a law enforcement officer - this will pretty much disqualify you.

Answer 7

Under certain circumstances you can ask to be excused but it is far better to attend for jury duty. I did this many years ago and found it very informative, not a bit what I expected

Answer 8

If you have doctors note or like i did for the wife
when she was called,i wrote a letter telling them
she was ill with bad nerves and would not be able to
give fair judgement,they let her of but that next time
she would have to go,now to old.

Answer 9

No. But if you have a legitamate excuse why you can't attend, they will take that under advisement.

Answer 10

Just walk in stating, "there all guilty, guilty I tell you",,,,you will be excused, it works for me,,,