I wasn't chosen as a juror
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381904)
Rockingham, Australia
November 5, 2020 3:07am CST
The photo has nothing to do with the post. It is of the skywalk at Kalbarri.
I had to drive to Bunbury, Western Australia, this morning as I’d been summoned to attend the local courthouse as a potential juror. As we arrived, we were shown into a waiting room and spent quite some time waiting for something to happen.
I was fortunate enough not to be chosen as one of the twelve jurors. So I’m home again and don’t have to go back.
In the waiting room, we were seated in every second chair. In the corridors, etc, we kept our social distance. Before the jury was chosen, we watched what was happening in the court room on a big screen. They could also see us in the waiting room. We heard the charges read out although we couldn’t see the accused.
When a person’s number was called as a potential juror, they had to stand on a yellow cross and those in the court had the chance to challenge each person. Those chosen were taken to the court room and we could see them take their places. They were then sworn in. Once that was done, the rest of us were dismissed and were free to go home. As the trial is likely to last six days, I’m glad I wasn’t required to assist.
29 people like this
33 responses
@LadyDuck (502211)
• Italy
5 Nov 20
I am glad you could escape. Do you know that there are "tricks" suggested to avoid to be chosen as "jurors"?
Admit that you cannot be fair... find a reason. Fake you cannot understand the questions (ears problems). It would be interesting to see what people invent to be excused.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (381904)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Nov 20
Several had reasons why six days would be difficult for them. After the charges were read out to the four women (charged with assault), the names of the witnesses were read out and one juror knew a witness so he was excused. I might have tried to be excused but the letter had been sitting in our mail box for three weeks and it was only a few days before I had to appear so really it was a bit late to be coming up with excuses.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
5 Nov 20
I'm so happy for you. I always thought it would be interesting to be a juror but the only time I was called was when I lived in Texas. I had an infant and a toddler. Their father and I were separated and I had no transportation and no one to watch my kids. Luckily I was excused.
2 people like this
@msdivkar (23356)
• India
5 Nov 20
The photo you posted the other day as the sky walk with the related discussion was not that clear. It is clear today and i could understand now what you said then. It must be an experience standing there watching breath taking view. Sorry you could not be part of the juror team.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (40026)
• Toccoa, Georgia
6 Nov 20
I have served on a jury before and a grand jury.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (40026)
• Toccoa, Georgia
6 Nov 20
@JudyEv Yes, the first one was we the jury found a guy guilty of bank robbery and rape. The people who tried to protect him got charged on lesser charges. The Grand Jury was different in that we went over cases to determine if they needed to go to trial.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381904)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Nov 20
@LeaPea2417 I'm sure the Grand Jury cases would have been interesting.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91044)
• United States
5 Nov 20
Glad you were able to escape being a juror. I love watching court shows on tv but dont think I would want to be a real juror
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
6 Nov 20
It's not good for those who travel so far. There's the expense of a motel and food for that week.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381904)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Nov 20
@kobesbuddy I think I will too but it might take a little while. I had to give them my bank details which is a good sign. 
1 person likes this
@kobesbuddy (78833)
• East Tawas, Michigan
6 Nov 20
@JudyEv I was paid for gas mileage, even though I wasn't selected.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
5 Nov 20
i've been called twice in the last five years. Both times I made it to the jury room, Both times I was not picked.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381904)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Nov 20
@DocAndersen Once you're 75, that's it. Some people never get called but others' names come up every few years.
1 person likes this
@DocAndersen (54399)
• United States
6 Nov 20
@JudyEv in our area you don't get to opt out for age. You also get called every 2-5 years
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381904)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Nov 20
@Nevena83 I wasn't really scared but a bit apprehensive about it all. The names are chosen randomly from the electoral rolls and you receive a letter saying your name has been chosen. You can apply for a deferral or exemption but you have to have a good reason. They expect you to attend if you can. If you simply don't turn up, then it is $800 fine.
1 person likes this
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
6 Nov 20
Does Australia allow potential jurors to claim hardship as a reason to not sit on a long trial? For ours, which was only four days, we were specifically asked if there was anything that would bar us from being able to do our job. Some stated that they could not because they were needed for this or that, or they were self-employed or whatever. Those who made such a claim were excused.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (381904)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Nov 20
@cperry2 One of the jurors thought he knew one of the witnesses. Their names were read out at the beginning. He knew someone with the same first and surnames but didn't know the middle name so, because there was doubt, he was stood down.
1 person likes this
@cperry2 (5608)
• Newport, Oregon
6 Nov 20
@JudyEv I was surprised at how easy the court was at allowing people to excuse themselves. I had always heard it was very difficult. Ah well, I actually enjoyed the time, even though things got a bit contentious in the jury room a time or two.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (208801)
• United States
5 Nov 20
Usually when you get jury duty here you are on the rotation for one month. You might only have to report once during that time, and the other weeks you just call in. I have been called for jury duty here once, and in other counties a few times. Only once did I ever get to serve, and that case was decided before it ever went to the jury!
1 person likes this
@vandana7 (102698)
• India
7 Nov 20
@JudyEv As I see it, there are limitations. At times technological, at times logic. Within that frame, it is not a sin to "judge" if judging helps to prevent similar crime or bring down crime rates going forward. Idea is to improve society. If guilt is to be held, even eating egg and drinking milk are good reasons to feel guilty as we are killing possible life in egg, and depriving calf of some milk.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
6 Nov 20
i'm breathin' a sigh'f relief with ya, hon. 'tis most interestin' the set'p there fer such a process. kinda makes me wonder if'n the same 'tis happenin' 'round these parts? with the big tv screens. nah, i figure they've a wee'un that all've gotta squint, lol.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
7 Nov 20
@JudyEv that sounds like'n these parts, the sound issues. from what i've been told anyhow. 'd be interestin' to know how they plan to social distance all who're there?? the ventilation system... i'm really glad ya didn't get chosen, hon.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122105)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
6 Nov 20
I know how you feel since I get summoned for jury duty once every two years. The good part is I was also not selected to be on the jury.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (122105)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
6 Nov 20
@JudyEv Thank you for sharing it with me. It took me three years to be called to jury duty when I moved to Lake Charles in 2009.
1 person likes this
