News, Mother Ordered to Jail For Bringing Kids to Jury Duty. (custody, teenager) - Children, problems, school, daycare, behavior, age, teenagers, infants - Page 6 - City-Data Forum

the3Ds · 03-05-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dorthy

The last time I served on a jury there was a women who spoke up to the judge about her situation as a sahm of young children without adequate childcare available (after that day). The judge did not dismiss her. The women spoke up at every possible opportunity and was finally eliminated by the lawyers. The judge didn't care at all that the mother did not have access to childcare. She was not going to dismiss her.

You're right...I'm not sure if it was actually the judge who dismissed me. The lawyers called out juror numbers of those dismissed and mine was one of them.

the3Ds · 03-05-2010, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCyank

who the heck is left to serve on a jury of what is supposed to be a cross section of the community? Old people? Unemployed, single people with no kids who aren't students? Rich people who won't miss the income and can pay for childcare?

Having been called to jury duty 3 times in the last 5 years, I can tell you with 100% certainty that the groups you mentioned above are EXACTLY who serve on juries. I'd add one more group...civil service employees who get out of work much easier than someone who works for a non-government company. My husband was called to Jury Duty and was potentially heading for a murder trial that was to last at least 30 days, not including deliberation. His boss (he's a city employee) told him, "Oh, okay...well, let us know if you get chosen" when he told him what was happening. He wasn't selected but I found it interesting that his boss was so blase about him not being at work for 30 days, especially when there would be a big scramble to cover his shift (he works for the airport).

Hopes · 03-05-2010, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the3Ds

My husband was called to Jury Duty and was potentially heading for a murder trial that was to last at least 30 days, not including deliberation. His boss (he's a city employee) told him, "Oh, okay...well, let us know if you get chosen" when he told him what was happening. He wasn't selected but I found it interesting that his boss was so blase about him not being at work for 30 days, especially when there would be a big scramble to cover his shift (he works for the airport).

Employers can't give employees a hard time about missing work for jury duty! It's the law!

bellalunatic · 03-05-2010, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoExcuses

It wasn't an emergency, from the story. Her mother was scheduled for oral surgery that day. Oral surgeons usually are booked far in advance of the actual surgery. I'm sure she had adequate time to find someone to fill in for that day.

Jury duty comes along once or twice in anyone's lifetime. Seldom is it for murder or some other lengthy trial. It wouldn't kill anyone to participate in their duty. Shoot, mothers of young children should jump at the chance. What a story to tell your kids when they are old enough to understand a little bit of the system.

Once or twice? I've been called 5 times in the past 16 years in the state of CA. maybe I should move?

Hopes · 03-05-2010, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bellalunatic

Once or twice? I've been called 5 times in the past 16 years in the state of CA. maybe I should move?

You're going to be jealous. I've only been called once and it was 20 years ago!

DontH8Me · 03-05-2010, 05:00 PM

I've been called to jury duty 4 times in the last 6 years. It doesn't only happen once or twice in a lifetime.

They keep calling in the ones who actually show up. My dad has made a habit of throwing his notices in the trash. As far as he is concerned, if it wasn't sent certified or registered, it didn't happen. I can't say I blame him.

Hopes · 03-05-2010, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DontH8Me

It doesn't only happen once or twice in a lifetime.

It has only happened once in my lifetime so far!

Quote:

Originally Posted by DontH8Me

They keep calling in the ones who actually show up. My dad has made a habit of throwing his notices in the trash. As far as he is concerned, if it wasn't sent certified or registered, it didn't happen. I can't say I blame him.

They can't only be calling the people who show up since they are still sending your father notices even though he throws them in the trash.

malamute · 03-06-2010, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andthentherewere3

Oh then, I'm sorry you don't find staying at home interesting.

Ahhh, since I posted you added a sentence about a "break in routine".

There are working people who like jury duty for the same reason, a break in the routine, so it's not surprising some stay at home mother wouldn't feel the same.

malamute · 03-06-2010, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hopes

Employers can't give employees a hard time about missing work for jury duty! It's the law!

For some employees, who will do their work for them? Some people are on call 24-7, so when they get out of the jury, they will be called in for all the problems that built up while they were out. Or they come back to double or triple work.

NoExcuses · 03-06-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by malamute

For some employees, who will do their work for them? Some people are on call 24-7, so when they get out of the jury, they will be called in for all the problems that built up while they were out. Or they come back to double or triple work.

It's not like it happens all the time. People make do in all kinds of circumstances, why should this be any different? Suck it up and do the job and it will be over for a long, long time. I've been called once in my entire life. If I am ever called again, I will find a way to make the best of it without crying about it or complaining.