Should Citizens Be Forced into Jury Duty?

Like paying taxes, and registering for selective service, Jury Duty is described as a civic obligation. As a citizen, it is something you must do, willingly or not. To have the freedoms of living in the United States, citizens must serve the country to judge criminal trials when called upon.

US Citizens Can expect to be called for Jury Duty.

Jurors are selected randomly from voter registration lists, motor vehicle lists, telephone directories, and utility company lists. Therefore, chances are, if you live in a country you will be called upon at one time or another. Being called does not mean you will have to serve on a trial jury, but that you will be interviewed to serve. A person can be called on as often as once a year. If you receive a summons, you should not ignore it but respond, whether you are able to attend or not.

Why do I have to serve jury duty?

Many people do not want to serve jury duty for one reason or another. Perhaps I will cause a financial hardship if they miss time for work. Perhaps children will be left without a caretaker is a parent serves. Other people feel it will cause emotional distress to themselves to serve. Jury duty service is not voluntary. This means if they call you, you must respond. If you have a good excuse to not attend, you may be excused. Reasons you may be excused are financial hardship, case bias, pre-formed opinion, or if you are a convicted felon.

What happens to the juror after Jury Duty?