Jury Duty

[Jazzy]

In the American legal system, individuals or groups accused of a crime have the right to a trial in which they can make a plea to a jury of their peers. In order to assure this for all individuals tried in an American court, all adult American citizens and those with permanent residency status are required to serve as a member of a jury from time to time. This service is referred to as jury duty.



Do you think ordinary citizens are qualified to determine the fate of an accused individual? Have you ever served as a jury member?

 

[Raven]

Have to do this in June. Not to happy about it, I hope I don't get a long case.

 

[Raven]

I got out of it last year by saying I was the carer of my mum who had breast cancer. Thought they'd take me off the list all together, but no they just deffered it. :/

 

[Sam.]

If I was called for jury duty, I would do it. They're not asking much.

 

[Bluezone777]

I been called up for jury duty before but they always list me in the group who doesn't even need to show up so all is good.

 

[Jazzy]

Do you think ordinary citizens are qualified to determine the fate of an accused individual?

Would like to bring the thread back to this one question.

 

[The Dragon Master]

Well jury's here all the evidence and make desisions based on the evidence and testimonies. Sure there maybe the risk of bribary and peer pressure. Most of the time the jury gives the right verdict. But it's the judge that gives out the sentance.



I think the judge may have the right to overturn the verdict, but I don't know.



If case is too high profile and dangerous, then it can be done without a jury. 'Twas done recently in the UK.

 

[The Dragon Master]

Dragon, you're adorable and at the same time you are incredibly naive. If you truly believe what you say here, take my advice and never, EVER get caught up in the system. For any reason. Once they have a hold of you, you're in for the long, unjust haul and it will be your greatest nightmare.

Been there, done that.

I don't have any experiance in this area at all, so I shall listen to the one that knows

 

[Nebulous]

I got summoned for jury duty about a year ago. I went sat in the waiting room with a few hundred other people. They called out a list of people who will be dismissed. Everyone else will go on to the next step. I was sitting there with my fingers crossed saying in my head Please call my name! Please call my name!

They called my name and I was free to go! I yelled YES!!

and everyone around me looked at me oddly.

 

[Evil Eye]

Would like to bring the thread back to this one question.

Now, I don't usually quote the bible but it made a good point: Let he who is without sin throw the first stone.

I do not believe any human is fit to judge another.

They called my name and I was free to go! I yelled YES!!

and everyone around me looked at me oddly.