I’ve always wanted to do Jury Duty not only because it’s a civic duty but also because I think it would be fascinating to follow a trial. Unfortunately, every time I’m called to report, it’s been an inconvenient time.
So far, I’ve never been chosen to be on a trial. Usually, I sit in the jury waiting room all day and then get dismissed to go home. Once, I was called into the courtroom and the judge asked me if I would be objective in a trial for a domestic abuser. I took one look at his creepy face and knew he was guilty. I told the judge I didn’t think I could be objective and was dismissed. The judge wasn’t happy with me but I was being honest.
It’s difficult when you’re self-employed
I’ve always worked for myself and never had an employer who would pay for me to be there. Jury duty in California pays $15 a day. That barely covers lunch.
When I was younger, I was able to use the excuse that I was breastfeeding, which I was. Now, I hear women can’t use it as an excuse anymore. A man must have changed that rule.
I took my three opportunities to postpone my service and that’s all that was allowed. The main reason I rescheduled was that I was taking care of someone at home who had cancer and he’s had several emergencies that required hospitalization, transfusions, and endless doctor appointments. He couldn’t be left alone and there was one else who could stand in for me.
And that wasn’t the only reason I had to postpone my jury duty
- Besides my caregiving duties, I had a dog with diabetes who needed insulin shots twice a day, and I was the only one who could do it.
- My car was in the shop and I would have had to take a bus or Lyft to get to the courthouse
- And then there’s that self-employed thing. I couldn’t pay myself to do Jury Duty.
It’s a civic duty that needs to be taken seriously – I get it
Serving on a jury is important and we all should do it if we can but sometimes it’s damned difficult. If I led a life of leisure and didn’t have to worry about living expenses, it would be fun. I’m into a good courtroom drama just like anyone else.
People with full-time jobs, whose employers pay them for jury duty, or retirees who live on a pension and Social Security may have an easier time scheduling it in. But, when you work for yourself and earn an unpredictable income, it’s a sacrifice.
It turned out I didn’t have to do it that time. I didn’t realize that I had scheduled it during one of the Jewish holidays and everyone was taking off. If you find it hard to do your service, try that? It worked for me.
How do you feel about doing jury duty? Have you done it? Has taking the time off been challenging? Please leave a comment below.
Yikes! It’s so true that service is never, ever convenient!
I was called up once. Like you, it was at the most inconvenient time. At the time I had all six kids at home and was fostering two more and running the farm full time. The trial was for a man who had been abusing his foster daughters. When I stood before the judge during selection, I told him I was a foster parent of two with six children of my own and couldn’t be impartial. He just smiled and said, “Eight kids?! Impartiality aside, you’ve got your hands full. Go home.”
Part of me was disappointed. I love this part of living in a free society. That we can serve each other in so many ways. And the whole process is absolutely fascinating.
Great story, Diane. That would have been incredibly inconvenient. However, just like you it would be a fascinating thing to be part of, if it was at a better time.
At least in CT, they’re fairly easy going about letting people out of jury duty. I find it helps to talk to someone. You have good reasons, it shouldn’t be hard. When my kids were little, I was the artful dodger for getting out, but then it got harder. Served once, though, and it was interesting.
I’m going to see how the week plays out. Hopefully, they won’t need me. I can imagine it would be interesting if the timing was better, Laurie.
One time I was called for Federal service, which, as I understood it, would have required me to be on call for a year. I was able to get out of it as I had a young child at the time. A couple of other times I called and didn’t have to appear. I know other people who have had totally valid reasons for getting out of jury duty and the judge wouldn’t hear of it. And, of course, there are those who are retired and could use the money, no matter how small the payment is. I’ve never been picked, nor has my spouse, although he just missed serving for a murder trial (it was plea bargained). Here, in our county, you can generally get one “automatic” postponement but if you need to postpone again, you have to explain it to the judge. I hope you have good luck with your situation.
Alana, now that they have an online portal we can reschedule 3 times. I used mine up. Just hoping to not have to right now and that I can do it sometime in the future when things settle down.
I have served a couple of times. Once when I was employed and had to send the money to the company. All it did was take me out of my job and cost me for the parking. Luckily it was over in 3 days. The next time I was self employed and could not get excused. After the trial which lasted 2 weeks the judge came to the jury room if we had any questions to ask him. I asked him why he did not excuse me since I was self employed. He said he made an exception for me and another self employed guy once we promised not to look up about the case on our laptops and could use our laptops for our business needs. He also said I was dressed nicely and was attentively watching the proceedings. Dressing like a bag lady and acting as such?? In hind sight it was very interesting and had I been retired I would have had a better attitude! I feel your anguish!!
That’s so interesting Haralee. I had thought about the clothes because I like to look nice too. I would imagine they would be more prone to pick someone who looks put together. I may have made a good move rescheduling it during the Jewish holidays (I’m Jewish but am not particularly devote) So far, nothing has happened. LOL
I’ve been “lucky” so far. Usually, have to spend the day there, but don’t get picked for a trial. The closest I got was being questioned and once the judge found out that I needed to take my mother in for tests, he let me go. Another time, I had to drive down there, but then was let go almost immediately because it was the Friday before Memorial day and most of the trials got postponed. Interesting.
It always seems to happen for me that way too, Jennifer. But not knowing each day can drive you crazy and mess up your schedule.
When I was 1sr called in for jury duty I was worried as I didn’t know what would happen. But once it was explained I saw how important it is. I was only there for a day or 2 before they got the jury but I was still worried I’d be called. It was a murder case and I worried the accused might come after me if they got out. Also its a huge responsibility to be part of a team to decide the destiny of your fellow citizens. I was relieved I didn’t have to do it as its pretty high pressure. Plus there’s the whole “not supposed to talk about the case” to others and I’m big on sharing my day with others. But I’m glad I was called as that was a big step in growing up all those years ago.