What to Expect When You're Called for Jury Duty

We know jury duty can sometimes feel like a pain, but it's an important part of the legal system.

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[xaeo]

I’m convinced whoever thought 7 random people deciding such important shit, has never gone outside and talked to 7 random people.

[nathanansah]

Got this tomorrow and gotta wake up at friggin 4:30 in the morning 😭😭😭

[mikatries]

Im 20 and I’ve just been summoned for the first time guys..wish me luck 😭

[braylonmaverick]

What to expect when called for jury duty?

Misery. That is what to expect.

Don't be fooled. Jury Duty is a miserable experience, in both criminal and civil trials. As for myself, Jury Duty not only interrupted my life and business, but when I answered questions honestly, I was chastised since I wasn't answering in the manner that they wanted (and no, I was not obscene or disrespectful). When asked how my day was going, I said, "Could be better." When asked why my day could be better, I said, "I don't want to be here." That answer allowed me to receive a 10 minute lecture from the judge about my civic duty and my immaturity in not fulfilling my responsibilities, with all the other rah-rah nonsense in between. When the judge was finished with chastising me, I said, "In all due respect, both my parents are dead, so my days of being lectured to are over." Needless to say, the judge did not care for my response, and warned me that any further disrespect to the court would entail a contempt charge. And so I simply gritted my teeth and answered questions, evening occasionally lying when responding to certain questions. Finally, I was excuse (but the had to wait in the jury pool again).

People should already know that Jury Duty is a miserable experience. This should be evident considering that the courts immediately warn you that if you don't show up for jury duty you will be fined and possibly sent to jail. If jury duty was an enriching experience the courts would not have to issue threats to you.

The biggest farce of Jury Duty is that lawyers and courts are looking for an impartial jury, or 12 people who can set aside the biases and prejudices in order pass judgement on another person(s). The problem is that no one can actually set aside their biases and prejudices, and the lawyers themselves fight to have jurors who seem more "favorable" to their side. Actual studies have shown that juries usually come to their conclusions based on their own personal experiences. These studies have also shown that in the Jury Room, discussions/debate is usually only done by 3 people (on average) and that the rest of the jury simple side with whoever is winning the argument in the Jury Room.

And yes, questions can become personal, and you will be forced to answer the question. If the question is "Have you ever been a victim of a sexual assault or molestation", you may not have to answer the question in front of a room full of people, but you still will have to give your answer to at least 4 or more people (judge, lawyers, court reporter), so the shame and embarrassment is still there. If you don't want others to know about your past, its best to either stay silent or simply lie. Your personal life is no one's business, regardless of what pseudo-important title that they hold.

Also, the grifter mentality of government filters into the jury system as well. Whereas all other businesses are required by law to meet the minimum wage requirement that is issued by the government, that same requirement is not enforced with jury duty. Jury Duty's comical payrate is excused by burping out the tired excuse of "It's your civic duty". No, your civic duty is to conduct yourself in a manner that doesn't send you into our courts to be tried by others.

Again, Jury Duty is a miserable experience that is force upon you, and the threats to your freedom continue on even if you abide by all of the rules and regulations of Jury Duty. Your honest answer to a question may end up with the judge lecturing you about how you don't understand anything and are a shitty person, or it may end up becoming a contempt of court charge. If you can find a way to "get out" of Jury Duty, by all means, do it. And if you do sit through Jury Selection, be prepared to be lectured to (or worse) when you spike the judge's ire after answering a question honestly.

Courts don't want honesty. They just want to get through the day, and then pick up their paychecks every other week. Judges, lawyers, bailiffs, courtroom staff, and courthouse employees simply look at potential jurors as a commodity to be use, and nothing more. You have a life, and keep your personal business and affairs personal? Tough shit. You're on jury duty, and if you cause any commotion, we'll toss you in jail and slap a fine on your ass. Oh, the court is 40 miles away? Tough shit, that's what they got buses for. Oh, you're self-employed? Well, just withdraw some cash out of the bank until we're finished with you.

And yes, the courthouse personnel are about as pleasant as the people you find in a laundromat. They are indifferent towards you, and if they are not, it is because they have contempt for you.

Yeah, fuck Jury Duty.

[scruffy]

The courts summon people against their God given free will to refuse not to go, if you don't show up, you go to jail or pay fine or both, tell the court system to pick college students/graduates that have or currently studied law, criminal behavior/ psychology and they will get their experts.

[shreklifeforever]

Me looking for the questions they ask so I can give the worst answers possible and get off jury duty

[MikeJ]

Been a juror before I sat on a racketeering murder trial in the southern district of New York federal courthouse. We did not get a long list of questions however we did pass a microphone from one potential juror to the next and were asked questions by the judge and layers.

[lobbyrobby]

I just show up unbathed, not wearing pants and only one shoe

[jjxz]

Thank you so much for this information 👍

[monric]

Im 19 and got it in an hour, wtf am i doing im not a smart guy 😭

[danc]

I got something in the mail for jury duty but I'm on a deferred sentence for a violent felony crime. Do i still need to go?

[anaisgonzalez]

Honestly it sucks that we have to go, i need to work and only pays $10 a day 😢, lol i am nervous cause im not used to speaking and i feel like i may not be very smart so when or if i am choosen to make a statement my mind would go blank

[timrowell]

I won't serve this corrupt system, ever.

[EveryThingMusicWorld]

No way i believe in our justice system it’s fixed if you got mula you go free

[bigmac]

Im 27 first time this has ever happened

[KyotoKrazy]

"Jury Duty is just as important as voting"

So not very important at all.

[Drkbardockssj]

Yeah it's great they pay you 35 bucks a day while missing out on hundreds by not being at work so if you already are late on bills expect to be left worse off.

[BradenKoi]

And what happens if I don’t go? This is fucking stupid that it’s required bro.

[gamingforever]

Acts and statues require consent. You dont have to do jury duty, pay tax, utility bills, parking tickets etc. A summons, an order, mandation, legislation is someone ASKING / REQUESTING you to do something. Legal papers are artifical and have no real signature on them. Its not law until you sign. Do not support the court system. The prison system is one of the most profitable in the world. They dont want murderers, rapists or paedos dead, because they loose money from the incarceration racket they have had going for the last 100 + years.

[davidazua]

lost me when you said "just as important as voting"