Posted on 01/17/2008 7:57:02 AM PST by real saxophonist
Judicial press gang.
And the absent jury members were not picked up...why ???
70 jury members needed and not one on the original list were arrested ???
Mr Weld might look at his own house, the justice system in this country has developed a rather large stench.
Used to happen far more frequently, because if somebody demanded a trial the court didn't necessarily have a panel handy.
Now most courts summon jurors for trial week, with extras depending on how many cases they expect to try (kind of like the airlines overbooking.) So there's a lot of sitting around for most of the prospective jurors (and way too much excitement for some).
So now this only happens if too many veniremen just ignore the jury summons.
Sounds like this county needs to prosecute a few of the veniremen who blew off the summons . . . just to "encourage the others."
If I get pulled in off the street without warning, what are the chances I will render a guilty verdict? Less than zero. I’d let cross-dressing pedophile slashers walk.
But that wouldn't help the court's immediate problem of finding jurors, because the scofflaws are in the pokey, not ready to serve. And especially with the criminal cases there's a need to try it right now.
I saw this happen once where I work....
If they arrest me for failing to show for jury duty, can I demand a jury trial?
But a great part of that stench results from too many people ducking out of jury duty. Juries of good, smart people are at the very core of making a justice system that works. I’d bet most of the people who bellyache about the quality of the justice system are the self-same ones that dodge jury duty every time they’re called.
I wish more people would do their part with a little more enthusiasm. I’ve been on two juries in the last few years, and it’s been a fascinating experience.
Better yet, do something to cause a mistrial so they have to go do it over again -- and you're not eligible because you've already served....LOL.....
-this is INSANE.
what are the chances the person would just turn around and walk away? is there a legal obligation to be press ganged into jury duty?
If I were feeling angry over essentially being kidnaped like that, I don’t think I would be able to concentrate or focus on the case and render a sensible decision.
What happens if someone has an emergency, or is prevented from picking up a child because they are snatched off the street like that? There has to be a better way.
I’ve been summoned somewhere around 10 times in 25 years.
Only once was I empaneled - for a murder trial. The trial lasted 4 days.
On most other occasions we were released around lunch time.
I detest the jury system especially for civil cases. The jury system is forced service, just one step above slavery. I understand that the constitution requires the right to a jury trial, but I think that professional juries could still be used. The court system treats jurors poorly, not thinking anything of wasting time. For civil trials, the litigants should pay jurors.
This practice of grabbing people from the street is detestable. The legislature should prevent this practice. The court needs to find another way to ensure adequate jury pools.
They’d have to taz me to get me to go! I am the operator of a public utility (water), and I’m on 24 hour emergency call. It’s my job, and my duty, to supply continuous, safe water to several thousand people. No way would I go!
Administrator: I have an emergency summons for you. You must go to the court right now.
Me: Do you have a gun?
Administrator: No.
Me: Do you know who I am?
Administrator: No.
Me: Goodbye. (Going on about my business.)
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