Sitting for hours in the jury selection room, I wondered how I was going to get this column done. The overhead monitor inspired me as a recorded judge lectured about the importance of jury duty.
Since receiving my jury notice, I was harangued by acquaintances about getting out of jury duty. Many thought service was not important. They fail to realize that jury service is vital for freedom.
One couple bragged that they each get off by claiming to be the sole caretakers of grandchildren. In fact, they only care for their grandchildren occasionally.
Some incorrectly think that anyone over age 70 is exempt, as in past generations. With the aging of America, a large segment of the population would be omitted, and the wisdom of seniors with life experience would be lost.
Some folks try to get excused by saying, “People brought to trial must be guilty.” According to the law, though, everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Judges could ask prospective jurors if they will follow the law.
Jury duty is limited to once a year per person. A master list is compiled from DMV and voter registration rolls. Attempts are made to purge duplicates. Anyone called more than once in a twelve-month period should contact the jury office for a correction.
Everyone summoned is required to serve with a few exemptions. Only citizens serve jury duty and must reside in the county of service. Convicted criminals do not serve unless their rights are restored. Those over 70 serve unless health problems are prohibitive.
Hardship cases are very limited. Care for a child or a sick person is cause for dismissal. Financial hardship is for extreme cases in which a person cannot pay for housing and necessities if wages are lost.
Work is never an excuse to avoid service. People who work have important insights during jury deliberation.
After assembling in the jury room, some jurors are assigned to a jury pool. A judge describes the nature and expected length of the trial. The judge hears reasons for those who think they cannot serve.
Life experiences may influence a person’s ability to be impartial. For example, someone who has been beaten may be excused from a violence case.
Usually 12 people plus alternates are selected and seated on a jury. They receive a special “juror” badge. To arrive on time, jurors wearing the badge may jump ahead for security screening at the courthouse door.
The call to jury service has been revamped for the benefit of employees and businesses. The one-day, one-trial system limits days of service. Most folks spend only one day. Many can check in on the phone or website.
Anyone called may automatically request a postponement up to 90 days. Current policy allows those summoned to plan which week to report for service.
California Labor Code requires employers to permit workers time for jury service without harassment or punishment. While businesses are not required to pay employees for duty time, many do for the sake of employees and the good of society. If employers pay, they can request the $15 given each juror daily from the second day.
Government workers, including public school teachers, receive their regular pay while serving. Jurors get mileage compensation beginning on the second day.
During jury breaks, employees can check emails or make calls. Some can work part-time as a jury is given breaks during specified hours, and juries do not report on certain days.
All business owners might consider paying employees during service. We thank all local employers who pay employees while serving jury duty.
(Janet Miller’s e-book, Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides, is for families or prayer groups. Janet is the creator of Friends on the Way an e-resource for churches to teach families about the Bible and discipleship. Find it at www.TeamRCIA.com.)
