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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI just received ANOTHER jury duty summons!
This is the 2nd, in about 3 years, and the 3rd I've received. Seems a bit frequent, but I will do my civic duty. But, not without flashbacks. The first time I had jury duty, someone at the courthouse screwed up and the family of the guy we had just convicted of manslaughter tried to get on the elevator with us. They were very angry and looked very determined. I was very terrified.
Laurian
(2,593 posts)and I am 65! I'm actually looking forward to the experience.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)I haven't gotten a summons in at least eight years - and that time I didn't even make it to the selection queue. It is tedious and time-consuming, but it's also - as you pointed out - a civic duty; one of the few we still have.
Siwsan
(26,311 posts)I've been on 2 murder and one manslaughter trials. It was emotionally exhausting but also something I'm glad I experienced since it gave me some priceless insight on human nature - both the defendant's AND the jury members. There are some really stupid people on juries, and some real cowards. One woman wanted to vote for 2nd degree murder, because the second shot killed the victim. And, yes, she thought if the FIRST shot had killed her, it would be FIRST degree murder. I was the foreperson on that jury. It was a trip.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)A child molestation case. Rather fraught experience, as you said. My "number" just doesn't come up very much - I've been eligible for 40-odd years, but have only received six summons and only served the one time. Twice I made it as far as selection, but I think being a college history instructor scuttles my chances. Or maybe they just don't like me.
sad.
Common Sense Party
(14,139 posts)Twice now--once in the past couple months--I had to give a bunch of info to the court to be part of the potential juror pool, but I'm never chosen.
rufus dog
(8,419 posts)I got two in a short period of time
Drivers license = Rufus Dog
Register of voters = Ruff dog. (Given name vs nickname)
Thus two separate records in thier database.
Thus 2x the chance. The person on the phone did a search and found that I had served six months earlier and got me excused. Since this was corrected I haven't been contacted again.
JI7
(89,281 posts)individually it seems a lot. but it's not too much that they will let you be excused over it.
i think california has some law that you don't have to serve more than 1 time within a year . so if you get it before the year is over you can be excused. but only a year.
not sure where op is from and if laws are different. but i can't see it being better than california.
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)Just the luck of the random draw.
rufus dog
(8,419 posts)That is what the told me. (Also from CA). That is you shouldn't be called for twelve months after your previous duty.
Siwsan
(26,311 posts)And, it is just the luck of the draw. I know a whole lot of people who have never been called, and then another bunch who have been called quite often.
It has the potential to be very interesting. I just don't want a repeat of my last stint.
Siwsan
(26,311 posts)I still get full pay, but have to reimburse the company with stipend the county pays.
aikoaiko
(34,185 posts)Siwsan
(26,311 posts)Or, maybe just once. I
alp227
(32,068 posts)Demobrat
(9,014 posts)like clockwork, and this has been going on for at least 20 years. Sometimes I get called before my year is up, so I save all my paperwork so I can prove I've completed my service for the year. That said, I've never actually been on a jury. Just go through the drill over and over and over and over........
Siwsan
(26,311 posts)Fortunately, I was pulled for 3 trials so it went fast. The 2nd was for just 3 days and this one is for just 2 days.
LumosMaxima
(585 posts)A friend of mine always gets called immediately after moving out of an area. It's happened to her three times now, IIRC. She'd love to serve on a jury, but it's never worked out yet.
nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)I actually complained. I got the next one three years later.
Also the local system has changed, you got to call at night to see if you are in the list to report. Otherwise, you don't
Ohio Joe
(21,771 posts)I've not been called since... Weird.
PasadenaTrudy
(3,998 posts)So many people in L.A. county and they still get me. I've never been picked to serve on a jury though...
Rhythm
(5,435 posts)No criminal record... no mental-health issues...
...and i have NEVER been called for 'jury duty'...
Weird...
rufus dog
(8,419 posts)And pull your name out right before inserting the summons in the envelope.
Sorry couldn't resist.