Hello, Coffee Talkers!
Well, for my 15 jury-eligible years of life thus far, I had always been semi-automatically excused from jury duty service because I was a student for a million years, or I was temporarily living out of state but still had permanent residency in my home state, or I was leading the lifestyle of a musical gypsy/evangelist/theological ponderer, or I was a full-time stay-at-home-mom. But recently, it happened...
I got the summons:
I read the reasons on the back of the summons that might excuse one from attendance. I realized that now that I'm not a student or gypsy or out-of-state or full-time stay-at-home-mom, none of the excuses applied to me. Apparently, there's a guy who got out of serving on a jury because he had a poker tournament to play in, but I don't have that going for me, either. So I consulted friends on what I might wear:
But then I called the number they listed this evening, and the automated attendant informed me that I don't need to appear tomorrow, after all! But to rest assured that they will summon me again sometime. Likely, at the least convenient possible time. (Well, that last part was sort of implied by the automaton's tone, more than directly stated.)
So, have any of you ever served on a jury? Was it interesting? Do they have jury trials in places outside of the USA? I mean, I'm sure they do in some places, but where? I've never really thought about this before. Fill in little ignorant American me, my international Coffee Talkers! And Americans, tell me about your jury duty experiences, so I can brace myself for the day they finally call me in!
Peace and all good,
Leslie
I got called for jury duty once....was in the room waiting then the Judge walked in and thanked us for our time and let us know the defendant was in the hospital and would not be at the hearing.....and I've not had to go in since...I've been summoned, but everytime I call in for a week and by the last call it's always excused!
ReplyDeleteDonna Kalem
I have been called many times since I moved to the High Desert. I was never called when I lived in Sacramento, go figure. Usually I was excused when I was a nursing mom, but being a full time stay at home mom, hasn't excused me. Luckily, I wasn't needed. I figured they wouldn't like me bringing four Littles for a field trip.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to go someday, Donna! And Denise, that's interesting that you've been called so many times up here. There's the 'I have a verifiable, non-professional obligation to provide care for another between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm Monday through Friday and alternative arrangements are not feasible' excuse on the back of every summons - check it out next time if you don't wanna take the Littles on a courthouse field trip! ;)
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