Jury Duty

After being called for jury duty five times I actually made it onto a jury for a criminal trial. The trial began yesterday and continues today. Although I’d much rather be out on the water fishing this is very educational to be involved in the legal process. There is much “hurry up and wait” but outside of that it isn’t a bad experience. I would however like to know how I have been summonded five times when most people I know have never received a jury summons. Lucky I guess and I’m not even Irish.

Eyehunter

Been called up four times and never made it to a jury. A lot of people try to wiggle out of jury duty but I see it as a honor, privilege, and a responsibility as a citizen.

I believe they use voter registrations as a selection tool but I am not sure.

D

Never had to go….I think Deisel is right…….Voter Registration.

I had to go to a selection process a few years ago for jury duty. They said that they use information from DOT records(at least in WI). They must use vehicle registration info because I know my renewal forms show county and township on them

You must be doing good.

I know what you mean about the education part. I have been chosen once for jury duty and I was selected as a juror. It was a murder trial and it was very eye opening. The boss did not like me gone for 3 weeks but I would do it again if asked.

Now that you’ve actualy served your name gets taken off the list. If you are called but do not sit on a trial or jury your name stays forever. JLK

I think the rule is that they won’t call you for 2 years if you’ve served on a jury (in MN).

Yep, after 2 years you go back on the list.

The list is also by county, I believe. Some counties have more trials that others, so that affects how likely you are to be called up. In my exerience in Dakota County, I have been called up once in 20 years.

My name is off the list for 4-7 years just because I showed up for the selection. It probably differs from county to county

I think you are right. I didn’t mean forever either, just a long time though. I did duty for first time in 30 years. I think they are suppose to wait for like 5 years but they can recall you!

While it may be a privilege/honor, I can tell you I was not happy when my wifes work did not pay her for the 7+ days she missed sitting in a trail (see my edit below). They (the county) paid her enough to cover the cost of public parking….and no more.

Thoughts?

EDIT: There is more to the story…I guess she could have told them it would impact her pay to get a trial that would most likely not last as long…..but didn’t say anything because she thought she got paid by her work for the time. Well, she didn’t……but after complaining to her boss and some other details she got her job to pay for her jury time.

OK…now thoughts?

I served for 3 1/2 days without pay too. The judge didn’t seem to care about it. But the dentist got out it. I did enjoy doing it but can’t afford not to get paid or use my vacation on it.

Alot better ways to use vacation days I know that much. Hope I don’t get the call.

In MN, they chose by Voter registration, Driver License and one other way. Not that I can remember right now.
I am being called this fall for Federal court. Am I happy about it? NO but it is my duty and will go. I hope to doesn’t interfere with my fall fishing and pheasant hunting.

My daughter got a notice to appear for jury duty selection (county level – MN)….in the past when I had gotten a notice and had schedule conflicts, I wrote the county a letter – explaining my conflict (ie work trip), and asked to be MOVED to another time slot. No problem – they did it. I still did the duty – but at a time where it fit.

My daughter is in a grad school program at the U of M. Some of the classes she needs are offered once a year. She asked to be postponed for the same reason (schedule conflict – her classes), and the county said no.

Now – if she registers for classes – hoping to not be selected for a trial – and then is, there goes $1300 in tuition money (and this comes out of her pocket). On the other hand, if she doesn’t register for classes, and then isn’t drawn, she could still be screwed w/ regards to when she can complete her program.

UG

Here in Iowa your name is always on the list as I found out yesterday. If I receive a jury summons in the next 2 years I can call down and do not need to appear or I can go if I choose to do so. Here in Dubuque County they use both vehicle registration as well as voter registration to come up with the list of potential jurors. It had only been a little over 2 years since I last had to be in the jury pool. Actually it was a learning experience for me. It was not a murder trial or any violent crime even remotely close to that but it was still a criminal trial and there was a good amount of evidence and testimony to hash out. Actually we finished up a little sooner with the trial than expected so I did not need to report today. This was my 5th time called for jury service but only my first time on an actual sitting jury.

Good to hear it was for the short run. My wife was called in for 8 days for a big case in minneapolis. She wasn’t paid since she was working part time. Luckily I was paid for my jury duty last year. The only bad part was that we reported at 8:30 am but did not get released until 10 pm on the second day. We went to deliberate at 3 pm, and everyone agreed that the guy was guilty except one person. This ding dong made us stay till 9:30 when we finally helped him undestand what reasonable doubt is. We almost had to stay overnight in a hotel. It was a good learning experience since i had never been to court before.