Jury Service

Do I have to serve on a jury when called?

Answer:
 I. No If you are not qualified.
II. No . . . . you can usually find a way legally to get out of serving.

The real question should be: Should I serve on a jury when called?  The answer is: a resounding yes.

Why?
Answer: Let’s reverse the rolls.  You have an important dispute which you can not resolve . . . your case will have to be tried by a judge or jury.  Considering that either side (in almost every case) has a right to demand a jury you will probably wind up with a jury.

Question: Would you want a handpicked jury biased in favor of your adversary to decide your disagreement?  Answer: Of course not.  You would want a group of citizens randomly picked to settle the matter . . . that would include folks like you.  If you won’t serve why should they?  That should be part of your motivation. 

Here’s another . . . whether you are a believer or not the old and new testaments have some pretty wise and strong words of wisdom . . . they mention time and again the words “justice” and “righteousness”.  How are you going to get justice and righteousness unless you have fair people like yourself giving you that justice and righteousness?  Is that enough reasons?  Do you need more?

Examine your conscience.  When you are called choose to serve and do your share to preserve this extremely important right to a trial by jury.  Do it for your own sake.

I’ll see you at the court house.