I know this topic has been addressed before, but I am always looking for fresh perspective. I think I feel the need to talk about it because I am freaking out! If anyone has had a similar experience, I certainly appreciate your input. I am trying to determine the most succinct and convincing way to request (and be granted) a postponement of service.
I am beginning nursing school at University of Maryland on January 26. Today, I got a summons for Federal jury duty, in U.S. District Court, for a case expected to last about 5 weeks, beginning on January 20. That would mean missing at least the first month of nursing school, including clinicals, which equates to failing the first semester. Or dropping out and reapplying. After 7 years of working through prerequisites, one false start in nursing school last year, waiting on a wait list, I just can't delay school any longer. I'm 37 and only getting older. Furthermore, my prerequisites and TEAS become outdated after this semester, putting me right back at the beginning of the whole process!
I went to the website provided in the summons, to complete the juror questionnaire. There was nowhere on the website to request a postponement of service. (It said there was a link, but there was nothing!) After extreme technical difficulty, I have decided to break their rules, and complete the paper form, in addition to submitting the electronic form, since the electronic form is incomplete! This is just adding to my extreme aggravation over this. I'm quitting my job to go to nursing school full-time. If they don't grant me a postponement, and I still have to appear and hope to be dismissed, I will miss out on my last week of work.
I certainly want to serve, but not at the expense of my schooling and future career. Under other circumstances, I would be excited about serving. (Except for the extreme loss of income! Under my current pay, it results in a 40% loss in income!) But right now, I really can't muster the care. I would be one angry juror!
Thanks for listening to my grumbling. Any advice on how to woo the court and postpone my jury duty? I need to have a winning argument!
You never know.... I was asked about gun ownership, I own guns but told the lawyer I preferred archery. When he condescendingly asked if someone was after my kids if I would get out my little bow and arrow (I have a 6 foot long bow), I blurted out I would just use my machete! (Don't have to find a safety on it first). They put me on the jury for a murder trial.
Once had an instructor that would not allow me to take a final on the makeup day because he wanted to dictate to me what I could or could not do regarding jury duty. When your employer or school, or whatever for that matter, do not want to cooperate with you regarding this, it certainly puts you in a bind. I feel sorry for you, having been there myself. Hope you can contact them and get this postponed. Good luck.
Once had an instructor that would not allow me to take a final on the makeup day because he wanted to dictate to me what I could or could not do regarding jury duty. When your employer or school, or whatever for that matter, do not want to cooperate with you regarding this, it certainly puts you in a bind. I feel sorry for you, having been there myself. Hope you can contact them and get this postponed. Good luck.
When the court clerk even thought I was being harassed she was ready to get the judge involved immediately, from a then and there phone call to a letter putting them in their place. Did you tell the clerk about this? Your instructor could have found herself in contempt of court.
I was too discouraged to take the matter up with the court and this is the kicker: The instructor, known for being a jerk, was in my future. He taught another course in my program (minor) that I was required to take, so basically he had it over me.
Actually this works! In a not quite so dramatic fashion, a man when I was summoned simply said, "I was biased toward a particular side the moment I heard what the case was because of my past experiences." You bet he wasn't selected.
After serving on a jury because I felt it was my duty as a citizen, I now will never do that again. The legal system isn't what it was intended to be anymore (topic for a different post).
I told myself that I will state, if called again, "I hate criminals and think they should pay, I don't necessarily like lawyers because they lie in telling what happened, my dad was a police officer and beat me as a child, and I read the newspaper everyday no matter what."
Then I will follow up by saying that I would love to serve...... This will never happen again....
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Actually this works! In a not quite so dramatic fashion, a man when I was summoned simply said, "I was biased toward a particular side the moment I heard what the case was because of my past experiences." You bet he wasn't selected.
You are to be commended for your willingness to fulfill your civic duty. Community oriented people like you are going to be great nurses!
One thing: you may NOT be chosen for jury duty even though you have been summoned to come forth.
That said, at this time, you are being a help to your community by becoming that great nurse. It has been my experience that post-ponement is granted easily enough for good reason -- enrollment in a program that has definite requirements should be a good reason, yes?
I am no lawyer but I've certainly been summoned -- the first time, I was self-employed and had all the time in the world, but I was not chosen. Not sure why but certainly either the prosecuting or defending attorney didn't like something I had said! (That's the reason both are present!) The second time, I was in school (not in nursing school) and the judge asked immediately upon arrival, for a show of hands of people who felt they could not put forth the time for whatever reason. A line formed, one by one individuals approached the judge and gave their reason. It was quietly and quite quickly done. My reason was immediately accepted and I was released.
Sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders, also. So if you believe you are being called to serve on this jury -- then school will most likely take the back burner for awhile.
I got a letter for 2 so far. First time school wrote a letter and it was granted. This month letter again I wrote a letter and explained why I could not attend and 2 days later granted again. Write a letter to the commissioner of the jury duty and explain your hardship.
JBudd, MSN
3,836 Posts
You never know.... I was asked about gun ownership, I own guns but told the lawyer I preferred archery. When he condescendingly asked if someone was after my kids if I would get out my little bow and arrow (I have a 6 foot long bow), I blurted out I would just use my machete! (Don't have to find a safety on it first). They put me on the jury for a murder trial.