It's dreaded almost as much as bills and junk mail: a jury
summons. It contains all the information you need except
the one thing you really want to know: "How do I get out of
this?"
The answer is simple for some professionals. If you're a
physician, a nurse, a dentist, a law enforcement officer, volunteer
firefighter or rescue squad member, an ambulance driver, a judge,
an attorney, or if you're actively serving in the military
overseas, you may get an automatic out.
What about the rest of us? First, there's the universal
illness excuse. Don't try to fake a cold or the flu.
But if you have a chronic illness or if surgery is in the picture,
you'll probably be given a pass. The same holds true if
you're a primary caregiver for someone in your family who needs
constant care.
Healthy as a horse? Try asking for a deferment or
postponement. You'll eventually have to serve, but you may be
able to push it back to a more convenient time.
Your last chance comes during jury selection. As a potential
juror, you'll be questioned during this phase, which is also called
voir dire. Plenty of would-be jurors think this is the
perfect time to pretend you're insane, or give an obnoxious
answer. It's not. You're under oath. This is a
serious stuff. Any frivolous answers will be shot down by a
judge or an attorney. Remember, these are
professionals. Don't try to pull a fast one.
Still, there are some honest things you can do and say that very
well may set you free. For instance, you might want to slip
in a question or comment about jury nullification. Jury
nullification is the right of a jury to declare that a law is bad,
or that it shouldn't be applied in a particular case. Judges
and attorneys can get uncomfortable when jury nullification comes
up, and they may excuse you.
During voir dire, you'll be asked two crucial questions.
Attorneys want to know if you believe in the jury system, and
whether you can judge the case fairly. Answering with a
simple "no" is a big step toward the exit, but expect the judge to
ask you why you feel the way you do. Be prepared.
Recall personal experiences or famous cases, and talk about how
they affected your thinking. Better yet, search "jury reform"
on the Internet, and make a short list of jury reform
organizations. Actual association with or contributions to
these non-profit groups could be your ticket out.
Finally, don't be afraid to express your opinions during voir
dire. Strong opinions are honest. They can make
attorneys and judges feel you're partial.
Jury service is an honorable and vital civic duty. Serve if
you can. If you can't, think outside the jury box and
remember your options. Learn more about the reasons you can
be
excused from jury duty.
