Posted on 08/09/2004 3:40:10 PM PDT by Libloather
Poll Shows Americans Want To Serve Jury Duty
UPDATED: 1:03 pm EDT August 9, 2004
ATLANTA -- A poll suggests most people want to serve on juries and would prefer to have jury trials if ever in court.
It's a finding that comes as a surprise to some leaders of the nation's largest lawyers' organization. They said despite the positive findings, courts report low response rates for people called to jury duty.
However, according to the American Bar Association, three-fourths of those surveyed disagreed with the notion that jury service is a hardship to be dodged, with 58 percent saying they consider jury duty a privilege and are looking forward to it.
The telephone survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, took place within the United States from July 15 through July 18 and included 1,029 adults. Of these, 693 had been called for jury service in the past.
The poll revealed that Americans strongly believe that jury service is important even if it seems inconvenient –- a belief held even more strongly by those who have previously been called to jury duty.
"Interestingly -– but not surprisingly –- people who have been called for jury service believe this even more strongly than those who have not, and a majority of those who have been on a jury would like to do it again," said Robert Grey Jr., incoming ABA president.
Three in four people would prefer a jury, rather than a judge, to decide their case if they were ever a participant in a trial. And about half believe jurors are treated well by courts.
Meanwhile, the ABA named a commission to promote jury service and a separate panel to work on standards that would make service easier. The proposals will be voted on early next year.
Yeah really... until we're paid the same going rate as lawyers and judges, its just too much of a bother to show up to do something that could be done over the computer.
I've been called 8 times and I'm sick of the inconvenience. I know people my age who have never been called. Next time I'm showing up in a tin-foil hat
I think they need to give people a chance to check off when the most convenient time would be for them. Everyone would be happier. The last time I got called, someone with the flu coughed the entire time we were all sitting in the enclosed room. I got sick and I tried to keep my distance.
HERE COME DA JU... (Oh, no. Not the one with the tin-foil hat - AGAIN!)
I've been called several times and written a note and been excused. I'm scheduled to show up early in September. My only complaint is I suspect I'll NEVER be seated on a jury. I'm way too opinionated. My contempt for the John Edwards of the world will keep me off of any civil trial. My belief in personal responsibility will keep any defense attorney from seating me.
Thus I'm thinking it will be a waste of 2 days (and as I'm self employeed - loss of 2 days income) to play the jury duty game.
So...I guess I'm one of the cynical ones. I really wouldn't mind showing up and sitting on a jury, but I really don't think thats likely to happen.
I've been a registered voter since I was 18 and I've lived in five states. I have never been called for jury duty. Yet my wife, who has lived in Ohio her entire life, has been called seven times (she's 37). Go figure.
Note to the courts: until you chimps start treating jurors with some modicum of respect, you will always get the lowest common denominators serving in your courtrooms.
Just the prospect of facing a (shudder) jury of one's peers ought to be enough to keep most Americans on the straight and narrow.
1) Attorneys want jurors that they can manipulate easily; and
2) One or the other attorney wanted you on the jury.
:-)
Ditto. I'm 33, have lived in three states, have always been registered to vote, and have -never- been called for jury duty. Not once. I'd like to go once just to see what it's like.
I'm in my mid 40's and never been called, though I wouldn't mind if I did. My wife has been called at least 3 times, and she dreads it every time. I guess the trick is if you don't want to be on a jury then, "want to"
Wow! Sounds like she's single!
(Hey, if I can't kid a little...)
I'll pass on jury duty. Just set up professional juries to handle it.
"1) Attorneys want jurors that they can manipulate easily; and
2) One or the other attorney wanted you on the jury."
Then during jury selection profess an inveterate hatred for all attorneys and try to bite one. Hopefully, you'll get released.
I did notice that the people who were selected all kept their mouths shut and showed no emotion either way during the presentations (neither of which I am capable of doing). They also all seemed to be 55 or older and homemakers or self-employed.
I've been on a jury for the past 6 weeks with no end in sight yet. It was pretty fun at first, but no longer 'specially since no one seems to agree with me.
JURY NULLIFICATION---just mention this and the bailiff will hustle you out of the courthouse so fast you'll create a wind shear. On the other hand, jury nullification is about the only power we individuals have left---the only way we can strike a blow against unreasonable laws--refuse to enforce them.
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