OH %&*(& Jury duty!

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I go to school four days a week. I just got a jury summons, I swear I get them every four months! I so can not deal with this while in school, and they do not let you out of it for school unless it is the first week of classes or finals week. The day I have to appear and argue my getting out of it is on the day of my clinicals.

Any suggestions or stories of what you have done?

Specializes in ICU, ER, HH, NICU, now FNP.
it's not about not believing in civic duty, it is about not ruining your graduation chances for a jury summons. Certain situations call for an excuse for the duty. Doesn't mean you never have to do it, just that you can't at the moment. Personally I can't afford to be kicked out of the program because of missed clinical days.

The civic duty issues I think were directed at the individual who posted that his or her family just throws the summons in the trash.

It will catch up to them sooner or later.

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I always write to the court if an address is available and let them know that I dispatched for a large sheriff's department for several years, worked in the DA's office as a clerk for one year, and that my husband and father-in-law were both deputies on the same department as I and that if someone was REALLY sure I had a shot at being picked for a jury, I'd be happy to show up....

Usually get an excused absence within a week or so....there's never a chance in HE!! that I'll be chosen for a jury. However in my younger years I would've LOVED an opportunity to serve and watch a live trial....the only time I didn't get turned down was for Federal jury duty....my district D.A. tried to get me excused and they even laughed in HIS face!!

Maybe you have similar relations? Sounds like the RN thing would add to your valid request for excuse.....

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

I know jury duty can be a pain in the tushy, but living in this country, as free citizens, it is our duty to give back when we can.

I am appalled by all the advice on how to get out of jury duty. Where is your moral and ethical civic duties?

I was called for jury duty a month ago. I also had a Dr. appt that I had been waiting for, for 3 months. The doctors appt. fell on the day I was suppose to report - and I had been given a note by the doctor three months earlier advising me of my appt time and what to bring with me. So I had an actual written doctors note.

Anyway, I called the number provided and explained that I couldn't attend jury duty that day because of the appt., but that I would happily be there the next day and the following week. They excused me, and told me they would call me again for duty in 3 months.

As much as I feel as you all do, I will go to jury duty - I feel it is the right thing to do.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

PS: I've taught my children that there are things in life we may not do want to do, but have to do nonetheless. I have to live up to that. Jury duty falls into that category.

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Specializes in Psych.
PS: I've taught my children that there are things in life we may not do want to do, but have to do nonetheless. I have to live up to that. Jury duty falls into that category.

Heaven forbid this country should ever have to turn to having full time-paid jurors because the citizenry doesn't want to be bothered with having to serve.

And I just wanted to add...anyone who thinks nothing of disregarding a summons to appear for jury duty...that is ILLEGAL. Don't be surprised if law enforcement shows up on your doorstep with a bench warrant and takes you into custody. More and more jurisdictions are cracking down on no-shows because their increasingly high numbers are slowing down the court system.

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Specializes in Staff nurse.

I got "the letter" and was wanted for my 3rd semester of nursing school. I filled out my form telling them missing a day of nursing school was like missing a week of school...but I would be willing after I graduated. I was excused.

I think it is important to be a juror. And you know what, I graduated in 2002 and haven't been summoned back...

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

las2009: I would be very appreciative if jurors got full pay for the time they are serving. Perhaps between lawmakers and employers, it could be done.

Tax breaks for our employers to cover 1/2 to 3/4 of our salary, and the balance by local government. Then more people would be less likely to try to get out of jury duty.

I must admit, the first thing that crossed my mind when I received my summons was "how will we live if I get chosen and it's a long drawn out case?" Will the recession that we are in, that is a real concern for people.

However, I still feel a moral obligation to attent jury duty, so I will go next time.

Babs

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Specializes in Psych.
las2009: I would be very appreciative if jurors got full pay for the time they are serving. Perhaps between lawmakers and employers, it could be done.

Tax breaks for our employers to cover 1/2 to 3/4 of our salary, and the balance by local government. Then more people would be less likely to try to get out of jury duty.

I must admit, the first thing that crossed my mind when I received my summons was "how will we live if I get chosen and it's a long drawn out case?" Will the recession that we are in, that is a real concern for people.

However, I still feel a moral obligation to attent jury duty, so I will go next time.

Babs

No...you misunderstood me. I said heaven forbid we go to full-time paid jurors...people whose full-time job it is to be a juryperson. That would create a system ripe with corruption...

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I know jury duty can be a pain in the tushy, but living in this country, as free citizens, it is our duty to give back when we can.

I am appalled by all the advice on how to get out of jury duty. Where is your moral and ethical civic duties?

I was called for jury duty a month ago. I also had a Dr. appt that I had been waiting for, for 3 months. The doctors appt. fell on the day I was suppose to report - and I had been given a note by the doctor three months earlier advising me of my appt time and what to bring with me. So I had an actual written doctors note.

Anyway, I called the number provided and explained that I couldn't attend jury duty that day because of the appt., but that I would happily be there the next day and the following week. They excused me, and told me they would call me again for duty in 3 months.

As much as I feel as you all do, I will go to jury duty - I feel it is the right thing to do.

It has nothing to do with moral or ethical duties. Standing up to the man IS the most American thing to do. :devil:

Really though... There is no duty to do anything in America. If jury duty is a civic duty why isn't military service? It is a law but that is a different matter. It is not illegal to get out of jury duty. It also isn't unethical or immoral.

We are free right? Free to ignore any so called duty. In fact we are free to do anything if we are willing to pay for it.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

Las-209, I did misunderstand you, and based upon what you said, I agree 100%. Corruption would be even more rampant that it is already.

Stanley, you and I have gone toe to toe in the past. We may have to agree to disagree. I believe you are wrong - strictly my opinion.

Lets assume you are sued by a person harmed by your giving a wrong med (God forbid, but for this example, indulge me). It ends up going to trial, you're going to hope that the jury that is selected is a jury of your peers. Somewhat educated, open minded, ability to see both sides, prosecution and defense. You get the picture.

Why then do you feel it is not your duty to do the same for others?

I just don't understand how you can say we have no moral or ethical duty to answer a jury summons.

We are a government of the people, by the people and for the people - part of our "free" system is the Justice system. Which depends upon jurors to sit in on trials and help to see that the accused is judged fairly.

I'm not naive enough to think that, that is always the way it goes, I actually feel like I'm talking about Nirvana - but theoretically it's suppose to go that way. It is our duty to contribute.

That's my opinion

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Specializes in Critical Care.

I have jury duty on the 28th of July. I'm actually looking forward to it as I've never been summoned before and I'm scheduled off that day anyway. Unfortunately the court is specific to certain civil violations committed by paroled prisoners or something, so I doubt it will be interesting like on TV. :)

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Specializes in Psych.
I have jury duty on the 28th of July. I'm actually looking forward to it as I've never been summoned before and I'm scheduled off that day anyway. Unfortunately the court is specific to certain civil violations committed by paroled prisoners or something, so I doubt it will be interesting like on TV. :)

I think serving on a jury is a very interesting experience everyone should have at least once. What's particularly fascinating is the way in which the group's unique dynamics are brought to bear upon the deliberations. Our jury's members were ready to kill each other as we debated the guilt/innocence of an accused car thief.

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