Jury Summons Rate in Tennessee (Memphis, Knoxville: real estate, insurance, live in) - (TN) - City-Data Forum

ivyhoff · 05-20-2012, 06:08 PM

This is to all Tennessee members, but especially those who live in the Nashville metro area. I'd like to know how often if ever you have received a jury summons and how long you've lived in Tennessee, especially if anyone has received a lot of them.

The main reason I'm asking is that I lived in the Corpus Christi, TX area before moving to Tennessee and while there, both my parents, my sister, and I all received them regularly, nearly every year. We were all quite happy to do our civic duty the first few times, then it became annoying, and eventually infuriating every time we would receive yet another one. Now, my sister is in Houston (has received only one) and my dad is deceased, but my mom is still there and just received her 20th. I have lived in TN now for 13 years, in both Davidson and Rutherford counties and have not yet received any, which I'm happy about, but I'm a bit concerned. At least in Corpus, you don't have to serve beyond age 71. Here there seems to be no maximum age. My mom was considering moving here, but she is so done with the whole jury duty thing. I'd hate for her to have to go through that here as well and I certainly don't want to relive that either.

BirdieBelle · 05-20-2012, 06:22 PM

Most people I know have never done it, but I have lived in TN all my life and served 3 times.

hiknapster · 05-20-2012, 07:47 PM

I've lived in the Knoxville area for 7 years and never received one. I'm registered to vote, had to move, changed my address, registered cars, renewed my driver's license. I've also had a real estate license at one time and now have an insurance agent license. Nothing. I've lived in Mass. and Florida and saw a lot more action. Of course now that I've written this...I'm searching for wood to knock on.

DubbleT · 05-20-2012, 08:03 PM

25 years, 1 summons in Memphis

Beretta · 05-20-2012, 08:50 PM

In the past 4 years I have had two separate stints at the county, and a 3 month stint in federal court. Prior to that I had never been called in my entire life.

In the county, once you have served on a jury during your 3 month period you are done. Once you have served in the county you are supposedly not going to be called for 2 more years. With me, I was called 18 months later, brought my certificate in to prove prior jury duty, and I was "invited" to stay and serve again. haha. In the federal courts we were used over and over.

It's all part of being an American and a citizen in our great nation. I can't imagine that your mom would rather stay there and risk another jury duty vs moving to where you are. The judges here are very lenient on excusing folks from jury duty imho if there is a good reason. And, if they aren't, there is always the voir dire process!

2mares · 05-21-2012, 10:14 AM

I've been here 35 years. Summoned twice. Never searved. First time it was county and I had a 6 week old baby and was nursing. Recently for federal but my boss wrote a letter saying he couldnt run the office without me, so I got out of it.

ivyhoff · 05-21-2012, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2mares

I've been here 35 years. Summoned twice. Never searved. First time it was county and I had a 6 week old baby and was nursing. Recently for federal but my boss wrote a letter saying he couldnt run the office without me, so I got out of it.

Wow, no such luck for me. Of the many summons I received in Corpus, I received one while I was working for my family business and was running one of our storefronts solo. That did not get me out of it...I had to train someone to come in and replace me for the 2 weeks that the trial lasted.

DonCorleone · 05-23-2012, 12:06 PM

16 years since I turned voting age...no summons. I'd probably enjoy serving but I would imagine my job would preclude me serving (sales/commission). It is interesting to read so many who've been called, and called, and called again.

hiknapster · 05-23-2012, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonCorleone

16 years since I turned voting age...no summons. I'd probably enjoy serving but I would imagine my job would preclude me serving (sales/commission). It is interesting to read so many who've been called, and called, and called again.

They have to allow you to serve and can't fire you.

DonCorleone · 05-24-2012, 10:54 AM

Right...but being a transactional/commission based line of work...if I don't work, I don't get paid. Or at least not as much. My dad was in a similar line of work and always got exempted from jury pools under that clause.