Being Summoned For Jury Service?

I have been summoned twice now, but never actually even got picked to be picked, I just sat in the jurors waitng area for 3 days each time, I was working in those days and it was nothing but a big bother, now that I am not working I wouldn't mind it...

I have been summoned. THREE times. After the last time the judge told me I shouldn't worry about being summoned for 5 years. I was only chosen once of those three times to serve-and I was chosen as an alternate. The worst thing about being an alternate was I had to still be there every day, but didn't get to participate at the end. Nice. If I had to do it again, I would, but I have problems with knowing that I could be a deciding factor in someone's life.

An interesting discussion. No, I have never been called for jury service, but because I am in favour of our judicial system, I would have to be in favour of jurors being called. In one sense, I would like to be on a jury. I would appreciate the mental exercise and weighing the facts, one against the other. I think I would be objective and not swayed by emotion. On the other hand, while I believe it is the best system of determining justice, I'm not sure how having a person's fate in my hands would affect me. I would probably tend towards mercy and unless it was a clear-cut case, I would have to argue for acquittal. The main reason I hope I'm not called is the amount of time involved. I would greatly begrudge the time. I do know of friends who have been called for jury service. They dressed well. The man wore a suit and tie. The women dressed in their Sunday best. They were immediately dismissed. On both occasions the jurors chosen were sloppily dressed. If that is the usual way, my "let-out" would be to dress well.

I understand being nervous about being called up for jury duty. I've always felt really scared of it, but that's because I'm so shy. I really don't know if I would do a good job or not, knowledge-wise, or if I could be non-judgemental. I just don't know how I would get through it, period. In fact, my best friend at the time had some trouble with some local boys who sprayed mace in her face (for no reason, it was sad) and she had to go to juvenile court with them. I should have been a witness, as I was there, but I guess that everyone saw that I was so incredibly shy that I wouldn't hae been any help to the case, so they didn't even call me. I really didn't expect that, since I was actually the only one who was right there with her when it happened. But they didn't even try to summon me. I never said that I wouldn't try, they just left me alone. It was pretty surprising. Anyway, the boys did get in trouble, thank goodness. And I really do hope that I never get called for jury duty. I don't know what I would do.

I don't know how I would be as a juror; pray I never have to find out. I think it would be so hard because I have my own opinions on everything and even if they were to ask me if I could be unbiased, I don't know that I could answer yes to the question. We are all human and to me, the only good juror would be a robot, so-to-speak, that basically had no opinions about anything.

Don't worry, be happy. Nothing to worry about. Jury duty is one of the most unique experiences you can have. I just finished a trial two weeks ago. It was one that changed some of my opinions and got me interested in new subject matter. It was a case regarding a nursing hiome administrator and now I know alot more about what goes on in nursing homes -- for good and bad. I'm glad to have had the experience and to have served with some nice and intelligent people.

I don't think anyone is truly unbiased - that would be impossible. But I perceive you as someone intelligent, well-educated, and willing to listen and learn, so I personally think you would be a far better juror than most! In many cases nowadays, the Defence Lawyer will have anyone vetoed if they do not think they would be suitable for their client anyway, so the system is already quite biased towards the defendant. I don't think you have anything to worry about should you be called.

I was summoned at the age of 25 and was very surprised. I had numerous medical excuses I could have used, but I really wanted to be involved if I could help. I thought I would go and see what happened. I was one of the people grilled, but ultimately was not chosen. I was so glad. It was excrutiating on my back problem and if I ever get to do it again, I will consider it long and hard before going. Of course, you have to get an excuse from your doctor, but if I was able, I was going to be there. I found the prosecutor annoying and the defense attorney offensive. The best part was meeting the people from all walks of life. I just don't understand why, when it was an all day thing, did they not provide lunch?

oh yeah i got picked all times when i in the waiting area, and when we went in the court the judge will call all the people name he wanted in the jury 2 stand when u name was called u would have to stay behind with the other jury, and when u have been picked u are not aloud to speak to any one about the case no matter what,

If you were to go in, hear what the trial is about and form a decision based on the summary, then you'd not be open-minded and should not serve. I have many prejudices and opinions, but I can not make an informed decision based on a couple of minutes of summary. I also believe that I could be open-minded. I would want to see all of the facts and as logical person would. Further, if you cannot keep from forming a decision because of your solid prejudices you should be open about that to the court because you'll end up doing more harm than good. Everyone deserves a fair trial.

I registered to vote when I was around 20 so I KNEW I'd start getting things for Jury Duty. I have had two so far in my life. One came during the summer and both times it was at times when I was at part time jobs that DIDNT pay for jury duty. So IF I had gotten to go I would have missed work and only made $8.50 per day which was really about 1hr of work at either of my jobs. YEAH that would suck! The first time I went down and prayed I wouldnt get picked. Just for the reason of NOT enough pay. I never got called. We got out early and I NEVER was called. They changed it up a few years later I believe it was 2005 for me again. This time I was working another part time job still NO pay. I had to call in EACH day for FIVE days and each day pray NO getting picked. I was SO happy I didnt get picked that last day I was dancing! Yeah! I still havent gotten picked. I'd be an okay jury person. As a christian I hold some beliefs bad so maybe I wouldnt be a super great one but I'd be honest for sure. HOPE I never get picked to actually serve. But you never know it could happen and I've gotten plenty of my life for it to actually you know yeah. *shrugs* oh well

Funny I should see this discussion, my husband has recently been summoned for jury service, it starts in 2 weeks! He has been on a jury before (approximately 3 years ago) and was selected, the case didn't last long as the person charged, pleaded guilty shortly after it went to court. I am glad I haven't been chosen, I would try my best to be impartial, should it happen. I guess no one can be really sure of how unbiased they are until they're sat there listening to the case and hearing all the evidence.

I have been summoned for Jury Duty about 4 times I think. I have only gone down to the courthouse once though. The other times I asked to be dismissd because of a financial strain (I was self employed) and most recently because I need to be home to take care of my son. The ONE time I went in (my first summons) I was picked to serve on the jury. It was actually a very cool experience, one I am happy I had. It wasn't difficult being rational about the case at all. The facts are given to you and you go off of them. We found the accused guilty on 2 charges and not guily on 1 :) That was about 10 years ago! Crazy stuff.

I would love to make it on a jury. I am a trial lawyer and have experience on the other side. But has a lawyer we are always wondering what is going in on the other side and behind the scenes. We always think we know what is important to jurors, but we are probably wrong much of the time. However, since I am a lawyer it is unlikely that I would make it on. People going to jury duty should not be concerned about being a "good juror." Everyone is a good juror, that is how the system works. A jury of our peers requires people with difference experiences and viewpoints. So, don't sweat it.

They have yet to catch up with me, so far I've never been called, maybe because I've had spells of unemployment, whether that makes a difference or not. I would hope that I was unbiased but I sincerely hope that I am not called to a case which involves crimes on children. I think if the person was found guilty and was given a pathetic sentence then I would find it hard to not express my anger! Trouble is too many lenient sentences are handed down now and even if I contributed into a miscreant being sent down, would they get the right punishment. I think it may not be a bad thing that I don't get called up LOL. If I was judge I'd throw the book at them, I wouldn't be so lenient.

well i dreaded also that moment..but im lucky im an asian not implementing a jurur system..but i have seen movies with jurur on the lead(demi moore)its a tough job and a risky one...maybe i should be open minded all the time and fair to all evidences presented..that if im given a chance to be one..

well i can telll u this i was summoned and when i received the letter i did not want to go, as at the time my doctor gave my a sick note and i sent it receord post back to the court, any away a year later i received another one for jury service, this time i went, and it was the great experience i have ever face but was also scary met sum wonderful people, i have also just started work at a bp station so taking time off wasnt good, but my boss had no choice but to give me leave with pay so when i did 2 weeks jury serivce i received a big fat pay cheque at the end of it, which was also great. but when we had to give our decision that was really hard.i went thought 3 diffrent cases, and the police was no way happy with are verdit, but if u get summoned i would say go for it as it is really truly a great experience, if i had the chance i would do it again, also when u have finish court service u can be liky to be called back again, but if it past over 2 years after u did jury service u will not be called again,

Well I'd refuse to do it as I'm not getting involved with making choices which cannot be for sure + I'm not someone who'd go into something like this with criminals and personally I'm not bothered by the out come of the fact I will not be forced or roped into this. I wouldn't be judgemental as it's important to hear the facts although this still wouldn't get me in court. I'm not sending anyone down with my vote and the law cannot make me although they would probably try. Kudos ~Joey

Sometimes they question the prospective jury members before the trial and if you don't know whether you could make an unbias decision, tell them, they'll dismiss you if they can. Otherwise don't worry, just do the best you can and discuss it with the other jury members and weigh the facts. Usually you don't get on a terribly hard case, if one at all. I've been chosen twice and you have to show up, but then they may not be busy enough that week. They prepare you very well for your duty. It was a good experience for me.

Sometimes they question the prospective jury members before the trial and if you don't know whether you could make an unbias decision, tell them, they'll dismiss you if they can. Otherwise don't worry, just do the best you can and discuss it with the other jury members and weigh the facts. Usually you don't get on a terribly hard case, if one at all. I've been chosen twice and you have to show up, but then they may not be busy enough that week. They prepare you very well for your duty. It was a good experience for me.