What's the best way to get jury duty?

[anna]

What's the best way to get jury duty? I got a notice, and I need to in tonight to find out if I have to go in to court tomorrow. What can I do to increase my chances of being chosen to serve?

[biagini]

Use my ss#! Seriously, I get picked every time. I think being open minded and not showing a bias for/against police and making decisions based on the facts increase your chances. Or maybe it is just my karma, want me to dial for you? :-)

[anfinson]

Are you sure you want to get out of it?I I know it's a pain, but having smart, informed people on a jury is exactly what our justice system needs. It's one of the ways citizens have left of actually participating in any meaningful way in civic life, and having any actual impact.

[campise]

DOH!!!!!!!! I just re-read that. Never mind.

[kilton]

(There. I minus-oned myself. I deserve it. ;-)

[good]

negging yourself! You'll go blind, you know.

[lavers]

+2 for taking responsibility

[kammerzell]

I do that myself sometimes... eyes play tricks :(

[wilbanks]

She was saying she WANTS to do it! I was actually kind of bummed that I wasn't chosen to serve last time. But I answered the questions honestly, and the defense didn't like what I said. So I was sent home. Fly, you can't really do much to increase your chances of being chosen - you have to answer their questions honestly, as well as fit the demographics they're looking for (I think) and so much depends on what the case is about, too. But I think being willing to serve, and open to it, is a huge plus. Damn, I'd want you on MY jury.

[robin]

hurrah for your willingness No too much really...I've been rejected 3 times...most of the strikes are beyond your control, e.g. your sister is a police officer or you filed a malpractice suit 5 years ago. Appearing too eager to serve is probably not a good idea. Answering in a manner that suggests that you will follow the jury instructions and consider the evidence without overweaning influence from prior opinion is the best you can do.

[vanstone]

Jury selection is so subjective... There really isn't any way for you to do anything other than answer truthfully during voir dire and pay attention to what is being said. Sometimes if you are too eager to serve, that could be a strike against you. Let us know if you go what kind of case it is. I worked an 8 week trial once and the jurors were NOT happy to be there after the first week. Good luck :)

[bobak]

8 weeks would be lovely I really need a vacation from work right now, and jury duty is the best I can hope for. My employer will pay 100% of my wages (but not the night differential, sadly), and I would get to stay awake during the day.

[Kishore]

Also, I am civic-minded really!

[landgren]

Darn, I could have used a dozen or so of you during that selection. It took us a week to weed through the jury pool to get enough that could or would sit for that long and not be resentful. Just think how some must feel during months long trials. It is an eye-opening experience to serve on a jury or work a trial. Nothing like you think it should be.

[suddeth]

This is the first time that it wouldn't be a real financial hardship to serve . It sounds heavenly to be able to sit and listen and think (have *time* to think). I'm so grateful that my employer would still pay my wages (although perhaps it is the union to whom I truly owe my thanks).

[schwarting]

I was lucky enough to get selected when I was in a similar situation. I desperately needed a week off work. I don't know what I did to be selected, although, I think datagrl has a good point - just look levelheaded and reasonable. The selection process is very subjective. BTW - I'm on the list to go in this week, and I'm really hoping NOT to get selected. Maybe I'll see you at the courthouse if we both get ed in! Good luck!

[jiles]

I'm on the list for next week! How creepy is that?

[lawlor]

Holy Cow! Wow! They'll pay x% That's amazing to me. I wonder what my employer would pay. Oh, and I work nights, but I like it. I would surely need a nap by x am if I were there.

[triche]

at this stage - it's just chance, and where you are on the list. Here, they put a lot more folks on the " and see" list than they end up actually needing. If you get ed in to be reviewed for paneling, then, you mostly present yourself as a level-headed person. You can get not-selected for all sorts of reasons - many rather subjective as legaleze says.

[Kelci]

Really? Wow! You really want to get picked? It's incredibly boring. Make sure you bring a good book...or two. Can I ask where you would be a juror? Is it Federal or state or local? Some of those local cases are literally traffic violations, but good luck! Oh, best way to not get picked is to jump our of your chair and yell, "I KNOW YOU DID IT YOU GUILTY LITTLE WEASEL!) HA!