Why do we have to go to Jury Duty?

1. 46

   chanrothposted 13 years ago

   I receive a letter regarding to the Jury Duty, why do we have to go? My fiance was charge $1,500 for not showing up since he was at Cambodia for Dad funeral. What is the reason for going to Jury duty, I just have my first letter today. Doesn't specifically specify why I have to go, just a ticket and tell me where to show up and what time to show up. Anyone know why? My sister went and all she said is sit down and listen.

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   1. 60

      Evan G Rogersposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      You got jury duty and you did NOT want to go?!
      
      For the love of god - you're one of the most powerful people on earth while on a jury.
      
      You get to decide if the person is guilty or innocent... But ALSO if the LAW is a worthy law.
      
      You're the most powerful person in the country!! You can override the Supreme Court, or an Executive Order, or Congressional Dictate!!
      
      The concept is Jury Nullification, and WAS taken for granted back in the times of our Founding Fathers. Government don't like the idea, and it has since been pretty much banned from the lawbooks.
      
      But it matters not - no one can deny you your right as a Jury member to overthrow a law, EO, or Supreme Court decision.
      
      Here's more info:
      http://fija.org/

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      1. 72

         LeslieAdrienneposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Excellently put Evan.

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      2. 52

         Phillip C Leeposted 9 years agoin reply to this

         Cmon man. In reality you won't be able to do any of those things. The other members of the jury, are able to override your decision. And they will most likely exclude you from important conversations.

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2. 61

   Peter Owenposted 13 years ago

   I guess you missed that civics class one day.
   If you are accused of something, you will be judged by your peers - I'd other people.

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   1. 60

      Evan G Rogersposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Not just that, but you can overthrow the LAW ITSELF if you wish.

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3. 0

   Emile Rposted 13 years ago

   Because that is the way our judicial system is set up. We all get called from time to time. People new to the voting registries usually get called up first around here.

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4. 79

   starme77posted 13 years ago

   The law and Judicial system work when regular - normal people get involved - Jury duty is a good thing - wish I was called - but.... never have been.... haha my decesed father in law keeps getting called though hahaha thats so freaking funny - and I think they put out a bench warrent cuz he didn't show up like a year after he passed away hahahaha:) thats freaking funny

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5. 100

   leahleflerposted 13 years ago

   The Constitution mandates a trial by jury (Article III of the Constitution: "Trial of all Crimes, except in Cases of Impeachment, shall be by Jury; and such Trial shall be held in the State where the said Crimes shall have been committed; but when not committed within any State, the Trial shall be at such Place or Places as the Congress may by Law have directed").
   
   The court will call up a large number of people to "serve" a day - some of those potential jurors will be selected for a jury - the rest will not be selected and will have "served" their time for a certain period of time.
   
   There are some citizens who are waived from Jury Duty - I was waived two years ago because I care for a person with a disability/complex medical needs. The waiver is not permanent, however, and I will probably be called in a few years again (and will probably be able to serve at that time).

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6. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   Jury Summons
   
   Effective immediately!
   
   All your civil rights are forfeit until we say otherwise.
   
   Report to 123 This Sucks Blvd, 8:00 AM on 12/21/12.

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      Evan G Rogersposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Why would anyone NOT want to be a jury member? You're more powerful than ALL of Congress, the Presidency, and the Supreme Court put together.
      
      You can find the person innocent on the grounds that the law itself is bad.
      
      Did someone not pay income tax? Do you think the income tax is wrong? You can find that person innocent.

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      1. 60

         paradigmsearchposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I saw your 3 posts. Congrats! You will never be summoned for jury duty again. Now why didn't I think of that.

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         Uninvited Writerposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I agree, i would love to be called for jury duyt

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7. 100

   leahleflerposted 13 years ago

   And then there are all the horror stories of people placed in jail for being unable to serve: http://www.familyfriendlyjuryduty.org/H … fShame.htm

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8. 0

   Charlene Marianoposted 13 years ago

   From my own point of view  you should be proud of you jury duty because of it  justice is served in your country fast unlike here in the Philippines a rape victim have to wait decades before a real trial even begin. I know it is a hassle and all but think it this way: your an instrument in delivering speedy justice to both offender and victim. So be proud! I wish Philippine's justice system is patterned to your country.

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9. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 13 years ago

   Actually, I'd say most of we-the-people are fine with it. It's how the bureaucracy manages/implements it that perturbs many of us.

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