[Eric in the Ozarks]

I got my first jury duty letter this past summer. I immediately called a lawyer friend and asked how I might avoid this burden.
"But you're the kind of guy we need on a jury..." my lawyer said. "If you really want to ditch this, just be a half hour late on the day they pick the jury. They'll have everyone they need and you can go home."
Even though I was on the jury list, I didn't have to show up (another jury pool provided enough jurors). I don't know how I'll react if I get another invitation.

[jocon307]

I hate to sound like an old fart, but Jury Duty is a very important responsibility. A jury trial is one of the mainstays of our system. You should really try find it in your heart to participate willingly if called again. Around here you can only be called every three years.

Happy new year!

[MarkL]

I got my first jury duty letter this past summer. I immediately called a lawyer friend and asked how I might avoid this burden.

Not to sound too preachy, your lawyer friend is absolutely right. The jury system is based on the concept of decent people being willing to make a decision based on the laws, testimony, and evidence presented to them. Without good people willing to serve, the jury system becomes... Well, pretty much what we're seeing today.

I've been called to sit on a jury 3 times now. The first while I was in college, living out of state, so I was unable to do so. Twice now, I've had to take off of work, and pay my own parking (the per diem from the courts didn't cover the cost of parking downtown!) to sit for 4 hours, three days in a row, before being dismissed as not being needed.

I've gone, and felt good about it, because I know that it's part of my responsibility as an American citizen.

Mark