Common Jury Duty Myths Exposed
When it comes to jurors, people generally fall into two categories: those who want to avoid it at all costs, and those who can’t wait to get their summons in the mail. In any case, some of what you know about jury duty is probably wrong. Whether you are trying to get away from your civic duty or increase your chances of being challenged, there is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the selection process. Here is the truth behind some of the most common myths about jury duty.
Myth: You will not be called if you are not registered to vote.
No that’s not true. In addition to voter registration records, names are also added to the jury based on driving licenses , taxes, or home ownership . So definitely don’t use the evasion of jury duty as an excuse not to register to vote. Do it now .
Myth: you can’t postpone a service date.
In fact, as a rule, you can. The rules differ from state to state, but most of them allow you to postpone the date to a later date. For example, in New York, you can postpone a service once online or by calling the toll-free number at least one week before the date of the service. Make sure to have your jury serial number handy when you go online or call, and check your state rules because they may differ.
Myth: the courts don’t care about your financial (or other) hardships.
This is another case that depends on your state, but in general it is possible to waive the jury due to difficulties – just prepare documentation to prove it. Again, using New York City as an example, you can apply for an exemption based on financial hardship, medical hardship, or because you are a full-time student or guardian.
If you are reporting financial difficulties, you need to provide your current tax forms showing your financial situation, documentation showing your current employment status (wages, hours of work, etc.), as well as any document proving your inability to support you or your family as a result of the jury.
Those who wish to report that you have medical difficulties must provide a signed statement from a licensed physician indicating your condition and how long it will last. Full-time students must provide a copy of their student ID or class schedule. If you are caring for someone under the age of 16, you must provide copies of the birth certificates of the children you are caring for and an explanation as to why they have no other options while you are in jury.
Finally, all other caregivers (such as parents, partners, or siblings) need a medical certificate detailing the patient’s diagnosis and confirming that their care is needed.
Myth: you can’t go home until the lawsuit is over.
You think about jury sequestration – where the jury stays in the hotel during the trial, and that’s pretty rare. In fact, the jury is only isolated if the defense attorney can prove to the judge that media coverage of the defendant would threaten the jury’s impartiality. If many jurors seem to be isolated, it is because the lawsuits we hear about in the media are high-profile lawsuits that are likely to qualify for arrest due to media coverage. But most of the time, you just walk home at night after a jury watch.
Myth: You can lose your job for not having a job while on jury duty.
No: There are state and federal laws to ensure that people do not lose their jobs due to missing work to serve on a jury. Some employers include paid jury leave as part of their compensation package, but if this is not the case – or if the lawsuit lasts longer than the number of days you allotted – you are legally entitled to leave. from work, without consequences.
This story was originally published in March 2014 and updated on February 11, 2021 to follow the Lifehacker style guidelines.