|
|
Post by olebama on Mar 1, 2015 18:59:01 GMT -7
The wife and I BOTH got jury summons. It has been almost 20 years since I last went. Any words of wisdom?
|
|
|
|
Post by mud on Mar 1, 2015 19:14:54 GMT -7
Kill em kill em all! Even if its just a divorce case....
naa i have nothing useful other than perhaps knowing those involved
|
|
|
|
Post by angelhelp on Mar 2, 2015 4:00:26 GMT -7
Tell the truth, period. The last time I was called, the judge asked us to give reasons, if any, why we shouldn't/couldn't serve. In my case, the daily stipend didn't compensate for my missing a day of school. Additionally, I'd have had to drive for an hour in each direction because the case was federal, not state. Last, the kids were small enough that they couldn't be home alone, and no one would have been able to be home had I served. I was let go. I wanted to serve. I wanted to see the process, warts and all, but I haven't ever been called again.
|
|
|
|
Post by BORNTHATWAY on Mar 2, 2015 7:38:24 GMT -7
I served on a federal grand jury for 18 months. Usually had to go 2 consecutive days each month. Now that was an eye opening experience. It was very interesting because we could ask questions as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Cwi555 on Mar 2, 2015 7:45:58 GMT -7
In TN, the law requires that your company make up the difference for your daily wage. Might want to check on that in your state.
|
|
|
|
Post by USCGME2 on Mar 2, 2015 8:00:10 GMT -7
The wife and I BOTH got jury summons. It has been almost 20 years since I last went. Any words of wisdom? I never have this problem, they don't want "insiders" to the system serving around here. If you are LE or connected to the courts in anyway, that's the fast way out. I also use my military status (legitimately) as well. |
|
|
|
Post by angelhelp on Mar 2, 2015 17:21:34 GMT -7
In TN, the law requires that your company make up the difference for your daily wage. Might want to check on that in your state. Alas, not here. |
|
|
|
Post by olebama on Mar 3, 2015 17:18:16 GMT -7
Thanks, all. I am not trying to get out of it. My company does pay my regular salary while on Jury Duty. I am just looking for any hints to make it easier on us. Like, do they allow you to take water in? what about an ebook? I know I can't read while on the jury, but I don't want to just leave it in the waiting area. It has been over 20 years since I was called, most of this items were not even an issue then.
And Mud? KILL THEM ALL LET GOD SORT THEM OUT!
|
|
|
|
Post by angelhelp on Mar 3, 2015 17:55:35 GMT -7
Water is iffy. Sometimes you have to get it from the on-premises vending machine. Items like tissues, hard candies, chapstick or its variations, a small notepad and pen, and your cell phone might be allowed provided you turn off the phone. When my kids were small, I had to go to court in NYC to attempt to take charge of my mother's affairs, rather than having Adult Protective Services and a guardian ad litem do it. I had some fruit with me, apples, but MW refused to just chomp one directly, so I also had a small paring knife with me to cut the thing. My pocketbook went through the scanner and the spare batteries for my camera raised the first question. The knife was spotted next, and I told the inspector quite honestly that not only could he keep the knife while I headed upstairs, but if he could convince my son to eat an apple without it being cut, it would make my day. He laughed, gave me back the knife before I departed the building, and that was that.
I then found myself in the wrong building, so I had to repeat the procedure at a nearby building staffed with folks who must've all emerged from bed on the wrong side that morning. They were quite irate that I had any AA batteries and would've liked to have done more than discuss and temporarily confiscate the paring knife. I ended up leaving the pocketbook with them, only to come back later and demand the batteries because the judge needed them to operate the tape recorder. Back I went, batteries in hand, only to find that the judge had no intention of listening to my side, nor was there ever any intention of listening to the psychiatrist (who happened to agree with me), so the court got complete control of my mother's affairs including say-so over burial plans. What a waste of time!
The bottom line is that every court is different and I'm not sure who decides what's ok and what isn't. A paperback book ought to be ok; an e-reader could be seen as potentially providing you with info about the case outside of the court's control, hence it would be a no-go.
|
|
|
|
Post by USCGME2 on Mar 3, 2015 18:33:15 GMT -7
Court sucks. I have to go all the time and I hate it. Its such a joke most of the time, at least on my end of things. 90% of everything is done long before anyone approaches the bench. Can't even imagine civil side of things. Thats got to be as much fun as watching grass grow (no offense Solar Geek  . |
|
|
|
Post by thywar on Mar 3, 2015 20:49:25 GMT -7
Just call the court clerks office and ask what you can or can't bring. Go early enough to get through the security. They get upset if you're late. Leave your pocket knife in the car but take your six inch magnum. You won't have jury duty I promise.
|
|
|
|
Post by olebama on Mar 4, 2015 20:51:38 GMT -7
Thanks everyone. That is the kind of info I wanted. I figured I could not take my pocket knife. Wasn't sure about the phone. Thywar, I am afraid that I wouldn't have the guts to try that. 8>)
|
|
|
|
Post by olebama on Mar 10, 2015 12:56:01 GMT -7
Well, I survived. they had a sign, no food or drinks, but everyone brought in stuff and they let us. I guess they were just glad we showed up for jury duty. Everyone (including the county clerks) were surprised that the wife and I were both called at the same time. I was sitting next to my wife, with my arm around her shoulders and rubbing her shoulder. Evidently people sitting several rows back thought that I was a fast mover, picking up a woman so fast in the waiting room. :>)
The wife was picked for a panel but was struck. I was picked for a panel, but they plea dealt before we ever made it into the courtroom. The clerks told us that the people would not take a deal until they new people were at the other side of the door waiting to judge them.
Anyway, the wife and I got $22 and some change each. We went to a well known eatery close to the courthouse and had lunch. $41 plus tip. So we came out poorer than we went in...
|
|
|
|
Post by thywar on Mar 10, 2015 15:24:07 GMT -7
But did your civic duty. Good for you
|
|
|
|
Post by crashdive123 on Mar 10, 2015 18:04:21 GMT -7
Sooooooooo are saying that you're a cheap date?
|
|
. 
