Had to laugh at your story, though I know it was not funny at the time, Icy! When I was in my 20s I looked forward to jury duty. It was a chance to serve my city, get a day or two away from work and meet new people. The last time I was called to duty it was going for a murder trial and I was given a lengthy screener application to complete. The courts wanted to know if I was able to be in another city (the state capital), sequestered in a hotel and away from my family during the course of the trial. No! I usually I get disqualified because I used to work for law enforcement, but as you said just because you're dismissed from one court doesn't mean the others won't want you. Bet you're glad that's over with! @icybc
There were no screening going on at all, @ninahaskin. The questionnaire was very short and had to be done online, or at the court house itself. If you don't drive, they will send you a bus pass. They don't take any excuses or reasons. I saw a young pregnant lady pushing her baby in the stroller in the jurors' room. If you work out of State, you have to flight home for jury duty, no excuses for religious beliefs either. The system has changed!
But you're right, I am so glad it is over for now!
Please refresh my memory @icybc what state are you from? Guess I should feel a little lucky things are different in Missouri. The screener I was given was only because the trial was well known in my area and the defense wanted it moved to another jurisdiction. Children are not allowed in the court rooms here - the pregnant lady with the little one in the stroller would have gotten reprimanded.
I actually wouldn't mind being on a jury in the future now that my son is older. I'd like to help make a difference.
I am in Michigan! I used to get letter saying that I was chosen to be the juror, and I called in to get excuse because of my physical limitations. They wouldn't let me off this time, and while sitting in the juror's room, I heard so many more pleads from people, but they let none goes! I mean, people who don't speak English or understand English, they won't let go either. So I wonder how would this help in the court room? It was just a waste of time for everyone.
That is simply ridiculous how things work! In my state you can get a doctor's note faxed to the court house for excusal from jury duty. Still a big hassle!
I thought we all have to report to the court house and they will interview each of us and let go of the ones who are not qualified. For example: jurors that have criminal/felony records, non-English speakers, disabled people, sick people, people with babies, etc..None of this criteria was screened before sending the jurors into the courtroom.
From my point of view, there is a lot of waste time, insufficient, and such wasteful resources. This system needs new financial adviser, organizer, and tighten everything up to a tee..LOL..I wasn't happy being drafted and killed myself physically in the process. My ankle is still in pain and swollen from 8 plights of stairs that I had to do when the fire alarm went off :-(
That's definitely is an incredible waste of time the way jurty duty is being "handled" in your state. Can you even imagine how ridiculous it is during the winter when there's snow on the ground and everyone is summoned to come in?! We have screener questions that are completed beforehand and mailed back to the courthouse.
I'm sorry about your ankle. Have you iced and elevated it, hopefully? Sonce you didn't get paid for your time and troubles as a juror, here's a little tip! to help ease the pain! @icybc💰💱
Thank you @ninahaskin, you didn't have to do this..
My pleasure! Happy Friday @icybc 😀
@tipU - send tips by writing tip! in the comment, get share of the profit :)Thank you!