Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests So I have Jury Duty on Wednesday ...

They picked quite a time. I'm ridiculously behind in two term projects and my sole class decided to go into overdrive for assignments for the next week (six miniprojects due between now and Dec. 13, two haven't been assigned yet).

I know some of you at least must have served jury duty, and am hoping you can relay your experiences.

Luckily it's in Worcester, so if there is no parking I can just park on campus and walk the half mile to the courthouse.
As it stands I will be bringing two books and possibly some homework (if given any that doesn't require a computer!). Do they allow small bookbags as carryons?
I understand that a survey will be given asking my history, relations to government personnel (two of my uncles are cops), any prejudices, etc., but details on this bit were vague. I have heard that cases can extend past the one day and have already informed my professors of this possibility. Anything else I should know, or details I am incorrect on?

It will be rather interesting, a day forced away from technology .. and if assigned a case, away from my naive little dream world that I happily reside ...

You SHOULD be able to appeal if you are a full time student. Check with your local Clerk.

--JamesT

That or just make yourself look like you think cops are 100% right 100% of the time and the defense will throw you out no doubt!

I came across a few articles about serving in MA. Seems different states have different views on students (Missouri, for example, excuses students that reside more than 20 miles away from the summoning city).

http://www-tech.mit.edu/V114/N40/jury.40n.html
http://www.dailyfreepress.com/news/2003/02/04/News/A.Day.In.Court.Jury.Duty.Rules.Leave.Students.Sour-359870.shtml

Williams gave some pretty straightforward advice halfway down this page:
http://www.williams.edu/dean/bulletin.html

I can always appeal during the supposed interview (which btw I haven't got confirmation that exists or how it works .. ) and thereby avoid the potential of getting a long case, but avoiding going there altogether is not possible.

Interestingly enough, I am on "standby status", which means I have to call a local number on Tuesday to find out whether I should apppear or not. It is a recorded voice so I can't exactly appeal over the phone

Gotta love Massachusetts ... there are some things about this state that drive me crazy.

Just tell them you hate minorities. You'll be gone. I got asked back in college. No way did I have time for that. I told them when I would be done and to contact me then. Never heard anything.

I never respond to jury duty notices. They can't prove I ever recieved them.

i had jury duty once...i completely forgot about it and never showed up. nothing happened.

I was selected for jury duty back when I was in college.
I was able to decline because I was a college student.
I forget how I declined, but I think I had to write a letter on the back of the form explaining why I had to decline. I couldn't afford to miss out on school. I believe it was also during final exams for me.

Matt,
Seeing as how its in Wooo-ster...I'm assuming its a state case, rather than a federal (located in Boston) case.

1) Postpone it - If its not a good time, just postpone it saying you will be away on already planned vacation time or something - they'll send you another one a few weeks later with a new date - one that will probably work for you.

2) state cases rarely last longer than a day. I just had jury duty and all we did was sit around - watch a video - fill out a paper - and read magazines. They had 25 cases - all 25 were resolved without a jury - all resolved between the defendant, lawyer and judge. We were out of there by noon.

3) you can bring a book bag. they'll check it when checking into the courthouse - for security purposes obviously. In fact, I remember one girl had a bag loaded with books and she did homework all while she was there.

4) Long cases RARELY exist now in the state of MA - The LONGEST you can go now for a state case is 3 days. I think the judge said something like 99% of the cases do not go past 1 day - most getting resolved without a jury.

Its the federal cases you gotta worry about - you could go there for months and months at a time! That sucks!

Hope that helps.

-Hugo

actually - after rereading it that its this wednesday, its probably too late to postpone it.

if you're on "standby" juror status - just call and chances are you won't be called in....

the other things should still help though. lol.