Jury Duty?

[KillarneyRose]

Have any of you ever been summoned for jury duty? I got a notice in the mail that I have been chosen to serve as a "petit juror"; not sure exactly what that means. I was wondering what I should expect when I show up at the courthouse, what questions I will be asked, etc.

Thanks for any help!

[AZ-AlphaXi]

Petit jury usually means a type of jury other than grand jury. The petit jury I served on, nearly 20 years ago now, heard things like drunk driving and involuntary commitments to the mental health hospital. If I remember correctly, there were only 6 jurors.

When I've been on jury duty, I've been asked all kinds of questions from standard such as where (which side of town) did I live to what magazines I subscribed to to what bumper stickers did I have on my car to did I know anyone else in the pool.

My advice is to answer truthfully and simply any questions. Don't volunteer any information beyond exactly what is asked for.

Good luck

[justamom]

They NEVER pick me!

[The1calledTKE]

Ya I was selected to be on a jury when I was in school near finals and they said school is not an excuse. I learned if you want out just see what the person is being tried for and be totally against what that person did no matter even if your not. I learned that too late. I missed three important days of school and the dang guy ended up pleading out. That wasted all my time for nothing, no check that ,I did get $25 dollars a day for it.

[DeltaBetaBaby]

Originally posted by zntke711
I learned if you want out just see what the person is being tried for and be totally against what that person did no matter even if your not. I learned that too late.

You get to live in the greatest country in the world, and the only thing you have to do in return is jury duty. Is that really so bad?

[The1calledTKE]

Jury duty is ok but it was at a bad time for me and it was just a stupid DUI case.

[greeklawgirl]

Just a friendly reminder, B.--no DUI case is ever stupid. I have permanent injuries from an accident where someone drove drunk. And I'm one of the luckier ones...at least I'm alive.

I agree, jury duty can be a pain in the behind...but you're doing your part to uphold the fair and orderly administration of justice!
**stepping off soapbox now**

[The1calledTKE]

I meant stupid because most DUI's are slam dunks anyway and I do not know why that duma** did not pled before the start of the case in the first place.

[DeltAlum]

I served on a jury on an Assault and Battery case.

As someone mentioned above, the lawyers ask all kinds of questions. Just answer them honestly.

It was actually pretty interesting.

I was called again, but the case was plea bargained at the last minute, so I didn't have to report.

[bucutie02]

I remember talking about how I never get picked for jury duty until I got a postcard maybe two weeks after saying so. It turns out though that school is an excuse and I didnt have to go. I was so glad just because its downtown and i have never driven down there and wasnt about to try it for the first time, alone! Otherwise, I think it would be very interesting to attend.