I've never served on a jury. Have you?

[NurseJackie]

I've only been summoned once, but was never selected. My husband has served on an auto-theft case... but the defended decided to take a deal rather than complete the trial. He's also been summoned several times to serve in Federal District Court, but has not been selected.

I've had other friends who've served. The experiences vary... some enjoyed it and found it interesting. Others found it aggravating and intrusive... those were for trials that lasted several days.

Have you ever served on a jury? Tell us your experiences.

80 votes, 0 passes | Time left: Unlimited
	Yes.
	43 (54%)
	No. (I was summoned. But was I was not selected to serve.)
	29 (36%)
	No (Never summoned. Never served.)
	8 (10%)
	0 DU members did not wish to select any of the options provided.
Show usernames Disclaimer: This is an Internet poll

[Shrek]

1. Four times

1 civil lawsuit and 3 criminal trials.

[markie]

2. interesting...

I served on a case involving discrimination at the nearby Correctional Center... I, not too much later, was hired by the same facility... it gave me a good background for what I was getting into

[Tracer]

3. To my great surprise, I was selected from a jury pool.

I had done a lot of waiting around prior to jury selection, only to be told to go home.

This time my name was called. I asked to speak to the judge to be allowed to back out. At the time I was designing and producing a monthly newspaper. I told the judge that if I were on the jury that I'd be harming my clients --- whose paper would not be produced.

He agreed and let me go.

The case was child sexual abuse. I'm glad I didn't have to sit on the jury.

[Victor_c3]

4. I've always wanted to serve on a jury

I’ve gotten lots and lots of summons, about one a year, but I’ve never been selected.

I’m not sure, but I suspect that my mental health history would get me quickly thrown out of a pool of likely jurors. I’m considered totally disabled as a result of severe PTSD.

[chia]

5. Summoned many times over the years. All but once sent home without being called up. Selected

once as a potential jury candidate, released on a peremptory challenge. Coincidentally, my latest jury duty is scheduled for later this week, but this time I call the night before, so we'll see where that goes.

[bluedevil4]

6. It was a

murder trial. Something I once thought I wanted to do. I still think about it and wish I was never on the jury

[hlthe2b]

7. I always get excluded before or at voir dire.. some professional occupations and backgrounds

get excluded routinely and I meet multiple criteria. I came close in a murder trial, but when I honestly answered as to what constitutes "self-defense," basically wiping out the defense plan to claim a person who fought with an elderly neighbor then went home only to immediately return with his AR-15 to kill him had actually only "defended himself." that was that. I had no idea what the case was, that it was a murder trial or any facts whatsoever, but my answer to the question apparently blew up the case. Not only did I get booted in that voir dire, but the judge had to call a mistrial for the defendant to get new counsel, given the rest of the potential jury heard my response to the question. Honestly, I hadn't even been asked about general gun views but thought I was only answering the obvious--that self-defense implies an IMMINENT threat.

So, no. I routinely get called for both local trials and even Federal jury duty, but have never completed the process and been named to the jury. Usually, I get eliminated based on the routine questions asked about background, profession, and education.

Federal trials are so often civil financial-- complicated, long, and beyond boring, thatI am glad I've never been selected for those.

[BlueTsunami2018]

8. No, I always get out of it.

I can’t afford to miss work for the measly $9 a day they pay you.

I’d like to serve but it’s not worth it to me.

[Celerity]

26. I thought your job also had to pay you at your regular pay rate. Am I wrong?

[BlueTsunami2018]

37. Yeah, I work construction.

We don’t get sick days, vacation days or anything like that. If I have a cool foreman he’ll put me in for the day but if he’s a dick he won’t. They aren’t obligated to pay you for jury service.

[Celerity]

41. Oh, damn, that is rough, sorry. That would be so illegal here in Sweden.

[IL Dem]

47. Not in a non-union job.

Union contracts may have that as a provision.

[NurseJackie]

35. Here in Maryland it's $50 per day for the US District Court.

Even then, it's still just a small token of gratitude.

https://www.mdd.uscourts.gov/juror-pay-and-reimbursement

Juror Pay and Reimbursement

Juror Pay

Federal jurors are paid $50 a day. While the majority of jury trials last less than a week, jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving 10 days on a trial, and grand jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving 45 days on a grand jury. Employees of the federal government are paid their regular salary in lieu of this fee.

Your employer may continue your salary during all or part of your jury service, but federal law does not require an employer to do so. Nonetheless, the Jury Act forbids any employer from firing, intimidating, or coercing any permanent employee because of their federal jury service. You should check whether your company or employer has a policy for employees serving on jury duty.
Juror Reimbursement

Jurors also are reimbursed for reasonable transportation expenses and parking fees. Jurors also receive a subsistence allowance covering their meals and lodging if they are required to stay overnight. Jurors should bring their completed Juror Reimbursement Forms to the Clerk's Office or mail them to

Jury and Naturalization Services
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
101 W. Lombard St.
Baltimore, MD 21201

[BlueTsunami2018]

38. I've never been called for a federal jury.

But even that isn’t worth it. I’d get out of it.

The funny thing is, they never call me when I’m out of work for whatever reason.

[Roland99]

9. Served once on a jury trial. It was the guy's "third strike"

felony possession of a firearm
possession of drugs with intent to distribute


boiled down to him just being stupid. Had a good job but doing a little drugs on the side. Now he's likely in jail for decades. Rather young guy, too.

[secondwind]

10. Was called several times ages ago... same ole, same ole... married to a lawyer. NEXT!

Nobody wanted a lawyer's wife on the jury. I was always delighted...

[multigraincracker]

11. Last one I got the boot.

Prosecution ask if I would believe the cop in the case. Told him I was married to a cop at one time and she lied all of the time. I got a dirty look from the cop and and sent home.
On a positive note, I did get my check for $24.

[Shell_Seas]

12. You missed an option.

I was summoned to serve, twice, but got excused and never went.

The first time I was 9 months pregnant.

The second time I had a sick child.

[niyad]

13. Never called. Was once the main prosecuton witness in a serious hit and run. After

several VERY inconvenient continuances (apparently hoping that I would just give up) I told the DA to tell the jerk's attorney that the more he inconvenienced me, the madder and more stubborn I would get. He pled guilty.

One of my favourite lines from "Night Court"- Dan Fielding, "A jury of my peers? 12 people who weren't bright enough to get out of jury duty?" Thinking of the program this week with Mrkie Post's death.

[brooklynite]

14. I was on a five day trial and ended up being sequestered.

[Probatim]

15. I had my first turn at Jury Duty this summer.

It was for a medical malpractice case and I was the second alternate juror. Near the end of the trial I learned I would only be part of the deliberations if two jurors were dismissed.

From the start, I realized the case had very little merit and the plaintiff would end up losing. While I'm not in healthcare, I'm healthcare adjacent (through work and family) and have had personal experiences that were similar to the patient's family.

It was clear the plaintiff's lawyer was out of his depth and his strategy for the case was deeply flawed. It was also apparent he did not provide his expert with all of the evidence from depositions and medical records - the defense team made this case during closing arguments, but it was clear to me the plaintiff's expert would not have made her assessment while ignoring several pieces of medical history.

There were so many instances during testimony where I was shocked to hear the line of questioning that I was glad to be wearing a mask. For the last two defense experts, the cross exam by the plaintiff's lawyer consisted of asking these experts to confirm details from the medical records. One expert asked if he was being asked to confirm what had just been read to him and the judge scolded him for asking questions.

Outside of COVID, I would have been removed for mouthing "WTF?" - then I realized the judge was rolling his eyes at the same time.

It was interesting to see the selection process and how everyone involved reacted to the case.

[Raftergirl]

16. Yes.

Once.

It was a criminal case. Drug dealer. Took about 4 days.

We deliberated about 10 minutes. Guilty. It was an open and shut case.

[Celerity]

17. yes, early 2017, LA criminal case (started at the Airport Courthouse, was sent to Santa Monica)

I was 20 years old. It was a drug case, defendants were arrested in a bar, during a sting operation. During voir dire I answered truthfully (I had a predisposition of mistrust of police setting up people, and was well aware of systemic corruption of the LAPD and LA County Sherriff departments). I thought that, my age, my British accent, lack of time living in the US, etc would assure that I was removed (not that I was trying to get removed). To my great surprise, I was selected, and to my greater surprise, I was chosen as the bloody jury foreperson lolol.

The trial ended 2 days later in a mistrial when a copper repeatedly violated the judge's admonitions to not talk about evidence that had been excluded. The judge was REALLY angry when he cleared us out to the jury room. He was much calmer when we came back and he dismissed us. No clue if they re-tried the defendants. The entire experience was very interesting.

[MontanaMama]

18. I was called along with a male coworker

for a trial of a man who was accused of assaulting a police officer. My coworker whispered to me “you’re so going to get picked for this thing”. He was correct…I was chosen and it turned out that the prosecutor chose more women than he did men. I believe that he thought women would be more sympathetic to the police officer. It turned out that we acquitted the defendant. While he did in fact strike the police officer, the jury overwhelmingly found that the defendant was baited and coerced. Long story short, the officer had it coming. Over all, I thought it was a good experience and my fellow jurors took it seriously.

[Betty88]

19. Once for two weeks

Since I got paid by work I loved it. Nice break from the job.

[48656c6c6f20]

20. I had to report and fill out the questionnaire

I remember checking or writing that I couldn't find anyone guilty under any circumstances so I don't think my odds were good at being selected.

[Polly Hennessey]

21. Yes, both Civil and Grand Jury.

Recommend serving if you are summoned.

[oasis]

22. Served in three different states, five juries total. 3 criminal, 2 civil.

[obamanut2012]

23. Grand jury

[Ohio Joe]

24. Nope...

I've been called five times now and never served on a jury.

[marie999]

25. Picked for the jury but defendant pleaded out before trial started.

[MANative]

27. Called for a Federal Grand Jury but rejected...

The Clerk told me that it was because I had studied Law (five courses in Constitutional Law in college) and because I reported that I was directly related to nine attorneys (FIL, BIL, 4 uncles, 1st cousin, 2 nephews). The questionnaire was intense - more than 10 pages - and took over an hour to complete. They asked about relationships to attorneys, law enforcement officers, work in legal/adjacent professions, courses taken in college, etc. etc. etc. I was hoping to serve, but it was not to be!

[Bettie]

28. I get summoned about once a year

in the last 19 years, there has never been a time when all cases were not settled.

Small county. Never had to even go to the courthouse.

[hunter]

29. I get called every three or four years but I'm always sent home.

I have very strong opinions about many things.

[BannonsLiver]

30. Served on a civil jury in June

It was a good experience. It wasn’t so heavy that I felt a lot of weight as to possibly incarcerating someone but interesting enough to hold my attention.

[ProfessorGAC]

31. Yes. March 2020

Felony battery case.
I was selected foreman. Took one vote. 12 not guilty votes, first time.
From start to finish, a bit under 2 days.

[former9thward]

32. Yes, three times in Chicago

Two murder cases and one manslaughter. In one of the cases a cop witness recognized me when he came in to testify and the judge excused me from the jury.

[OnlinePoker]

33. No, but I was in the Canadian military for 35 years and we are exempt.

And if I make it to 65 before I get summoned, I can then decide if I want to do it or not.

[fescuerescue]

34. my Mom and her twin sister was both summoned at the same time

But they live in different states.

Either a heck of a coincidence or they use the same selection criteria.

[rustydog]

36. I work in healthcare security and have been subpoenaed to testify in court

but, when I responded for jury duty, the Defense questions disqualified me, I knew the police officers and some of the suspects on trial.
I was always dismissed.

[Polybius]

39. At least once every 10 days

Very often for some reason here. I almost always participate too, and take my time coming to a decision.

[NurseJackie]

42. Here in MD, if you serve (or even if you spend all day not being called)...

... you're excused from being called for at least a year (or more, perhaps.)

[Polybius]

50. Wait...

I thought the OP was talking about DU juries!

[NurseJackie]

52. That's very amusing.

[JoanofArgh]

40. Been summoned twice. First time , the case never went to trial so jury was dismissed.

Second time wasn't picked.

[tonedevil]

43. Twice...

the first was a murder trial. The defendant was accused of supplying the gun used in the murder. The shooter was being tried in parallel, but the cases were separate. This ment two juries were in the court room. The gun supplying defendant's defense was he had the gun in his bedroom where he was weighing marijuana when the shooter came in a took the gun without asking. Found guilty in about two hours.
Then I got on the jury of a fellow accused of selling methamphetamine. His defense was it was for personal use. It actually looked like he might get the lessor charge of simple possession.
On the day the case was to go to jury the prosecutor brought in an expert witness. The arrest happened in a suburb of Sacramento their police had given testimony that was not very convincing. The expert was a police person from Sacramento. He wasn't doing any good either until he asked to see the empty tiny plastic bags that had been found on the defendant at the time of his arrest. They had been characterized as old bags the defendant had horded, but they were still bundled together as they would be purchased from a store. Again, guilty verdict reached in about an hour.

[SoonerPride]

44. Twice summoned. Never left the jury pool room.

[11 Bravo]

45. Summoned twice, but never served. The first time ...

the parties came to a settlement before we were empaneled; and the second time one of the parties was a former student of mine, and I was excused for cause.

[Mr.Bill]

46. I live in a small county and get called every year or two.

After 30 years of getting called and not selected, last October I was an alternate juror on a murder trial. It took about three weeks, although I was not involved in the negotiations. It wasn't a matter of whether he had killed the guy, it was a matter of whether it was 1st or 2nd degree murder, or voluntary or involuntary manslaughter. It was decided it was the lesser of the charges, involuntary manslaughter. With time served awaiting trial, he was out of jail in March 2021. After speaking with some of the jurors after the verdict, I agreed with them.

The interesting twist was both the defendant and victim were deaf and translators were used during the entire process. I learned a lot about the deaf community. Some of the witnesses were also deaf.

[edbermac]

48. Served on one jury

Summon and dismissed for another. That’s been it.

[Orrex]

49. Alerting

[NurseJackie]

53. LOL!

[Demovictory9]

54. yep.. once. have been called in twice