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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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9

Jurors Dodge Duty Amid Financial Fears

Citizens point to recession, unemployment in bid for dismissal

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(Newser) – Jury duty has always been a pain, but the tough economy is prompting more and more Americans to ditch their civic responsibility, the New York Times reports. While exact figures aren’t available, officials report that jurors increasingly cite financial worries in bids to get out of duty. “I cannot even afford the gas to have to come down there,” an Idaho resident says.

Others insist they could lose their jobs if they take time off, or that they need to search for work, and sympathetic judges have little choice but to dismiss them. But areas like Orange County, Fla., haven’t seen any decline in jury duty, despite steep hikes in unemployment. “We might actually have jurors who are looking to get the money,” an official says, referring to the modest sum jurors receive. Experts also point out that trials rarely last longer than a few days.

Jurors who convicted O.J. Simpson of armed robbery and kidnapping listen to a question from the media during a news conference at the Clark County Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas.
Jurors who convicted O.J. Simpson of armed robbery and kidnapping listen to a question from the media during a news conference at the Clark County Regional Justice Center in Las Vegas.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
This courtroom artist's drawing depicts anonymous jury selection in Chicago.
This courtroom artist's drawing depicts anonymous jury selection in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Verna Sadock)
An attorney is shown delivering closing arguments to the jury in this artist's rendering.
An attorney is shown delivering closing arguments to the jury in this artist's rendering.   (AP Photo/Pat Lopez)
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9 comments
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Fondue
Sep 2, 09 10:42 AM CDT
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. Reply
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+4
IN RESPONSE:
Fondue
Sep 2, 09 10:44 AM CDT
It's still shit pay. Something like $40 a day, free meals, possible travel expense reimbursement. At best it's still less than the new minimum wage.
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+2
bacimom
Sep 2, 09 10:52 AM CDT
In Cook County you get about $15.00 or so daily with no travel money. Every time I've been called it's been to the Loop at a travel cost of much higher than the fee. Most companies pay their employees when on Jury Duty and expect the Jury check given to them. I don't know how many employers don't pay for Jury days off. At best it's a wash. At worst it costs the juror out of pocket between travel, lunch and if you're self employed missing work. My husband is a remodeler and when he was on Jury Duty his projects were on hold and his clients angry. Reply
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0
Doctor_Zaius
Sep 2, 09 10:57 AM CDT
I often wondered why they don't pick from a pool of retired people. Let them vent their anger. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
atomick
Sep 2, 09 12:21 PM CDT
Would YOU want some half-senile, out-of-touch, ultra-conservative deciding YOUR fate?
Vote up! Vote down!
+2

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