How do I get out of Jury duty? (Details on why)

[Mashu]

First, I have social anxiety disorder.  But, the I was diagnosed with it years ago, and I still suffer from it.  They said i have to have a doctors note enclosed in the reply mail within 5 days.  Multiple problems with this.  First, there is alot of snow which we rarely get here, in Washington.  I drive a car that will have 0% chance of actually getting to the road, let alone to the doctor to get a "note" like a little child. 

On top of that, we are having a massive storm, comparatively, tomorrow night into Sunday.   Its a rare storm that is coming from the east, with gusts of 90 miles an hour with a chance of up to 8 inches of snow.  So on top of the 6 we have now, when we rarely get more then 2 if we are lucky, on top of the east wind that knocks trees over here with ease, I might not be able to get out for at least a week.  I can get to the post office to send it, but not the doctor.  The post office is about a 40 min walk from here.  The doctor would be about 15 hrs of walking. 

To give an idea of how bad I have the problem, I have everything but the "sad" part of it.  I shake to the point where I can't even write my name correct.  My hands sweat, while to the touch they are freezing, (like my feet), while my body is roasting.  I can't think or argue correctly, only ending up in attacking verbally to help my side.  (Not swearing or anything, just pushing my side without a hint of argument from the other party involved)

I had to get my driver's license recently, and that freaked me out for a week prior.  My name is scribbley on the license itself. 

Now, no more details.  Pretty sure everyone has the idea.  I feel like a child because I have to have a "Doctor's Excuse Note" inside the envelope.  And that is literally impossible to do within the 5 days I have been given.  And even if I could go, I have no insurance or money to pay for the visit to get a piece of paper signed. 

On top of that, I refuse to say anyone is guilty due to my religious beliefs.  I will say "Not Guilty" regardless of the charges and evidence.  I believe God's law is over man's law, and that is one thing I believe that man's law contradicts God's law.  That is, among others of course, not to judge anyone.  And by being on the jury, I am essentially judging someone based on the evidence. 

So, how do I write it to get my point across without having a childs "doctor note" enclosed?

[TheGoodFight1984]

Well these systems will only recognize official notes and all that crap so I guess you will have to sort it out unfortunately.. can you not call up the doctor and have them mail one over to you or to the courts directly?

[Mashu]

Yes and no. Basically, I don't see the same doctor anymore.  Its been like...10 years or so since I saw him last.  I have a new doctor, but, the last time I saw him was a couple years ago.  I rarely go to the doctor, so...its difficult.

[theexcogitator]

Hawhahha.  I sent them a 15 page letter about why I could not serve according the the law, and they sent me back a stamped reply saying that my excuse did not meet one of the three exceptions.  I could have not gone and if they brought me to court I could have brought up my case and won, however, there are some other practical ways to get out of it.  In california, jury duty is fairly lax.  You can miss it a couple of times.  So, what you do is, if you are not set to be a reserve jurist, then send them a reply asking for a rescheduling.  Keep doing this until you become a reserve (call in) jurist.  If they call you in, ignore it.  You have the ability to miss jury duty a couple of times before they can fine you.  They will send another letter telling you when you should report for jury duty.  If you are not a reserve jurist, ask for rescheduling.  Repeat this process until you are a reserve jurist and you are not called in. 

Separately, once, when I actually went in, I just told them I was a nihilist and they excused me.  It was so funny, I started giving one of the lawyers a lecture.

[TheGoodFight1984]

Well I suffer from a similiar sort of thing on a seasonal basis so fully appreciate your plight here bud.

Has your contact with the doctors been through the same place (I'm in the UK so not entirely sure how it works in the US) but they do keep medical records and any informed doctor will know that these kinds of ailment don't just go away never to be seen again, so if you spoke to the doctor there, explain your situation, ask them to go over your medical history with them and I think you shuld be fine..

(edit, or do what theexcogitator suggested, seems like a fair whack of effort though!)

[birgit]

Just stating your religious beliefs  should get you out of it...
considered  "out of the norm " belief , the prosecuting attorney will 'reject' you

Call the doc and ask him to fax or mail directly to  the court...

Do you have any relatives working in law enforcement,  emergency services?
That disqualifies in most places, for  possibly having details or inside info.

[Sub-X]

Well these systems will only recognize official notes and all that crap so I guess you will have to sort it out unfortunately.. can you not call up the doctor and have them mail one over to you or to the courts directly?

Not here,to get be excused from jury duty you have to write a handwritten letter stating the reasons why you wish to be excused.Last year I was called up and wrote a letter stating that I didn't believe in certain aspects of the law and therefore would not be suitable for jury duty.Received a letter back about a week later to tell me I was excused.

[Nailer]

just say you are a racist or that you believe anyone arrested is guilty.  That is how I get out of jury duty..LOL

[TheGoodFight1984]

Not here,to get be excused from jury duty you have to write a handwritten letter stating the reasons why you wish to be excused.Last year I was called up and wrote a letter stating that I didn't believe in certain aspects of the law and therefore would not be suitable for jury duty.Received a letter back about a week later to tell me I was excused.

Ah really? fair do's! I'm not informed enough on how it works in the UK I guess so probably wrong there.. I do know the bloody job centre demand them though!

[Pheonix Renewed]

Yeah, I would write back with a letter stating that your religious beliefs preclude you from being on Jury Duty. If you are a Christian, you can cite several reasons:

1. You cannot take any vows, so you will not be able to take a vow
2. You are not allowed to judge any man, judgment belongs to God and God alone
3. You cannot judge another person under any circumstances, but especially not when you are being paid to do so
4. State that you believe the system is corrupt, and that to support a corrupt system is to disobey God

[independentWV]

I got letter to appear for jury duty, sent reply stating my first order of business there would be to cast out demons in court room and annoint windows/doors with blood of Jesus. In addition, if any of man's law brought up did not agree with God's law I would object based on grounds religious persecution.

I was excused.

[Geolibertarian]

How do I get out of Jury duty?

That's easy: just tell them you're a proud member and supporter of FIJA.

[TheGoodFight1984]

I got letter to appear for jury duty, sent reply stating my first order of business there would be to cast out demons in court room and annoint windows/doors with blood of Jesus.

I was excused.

haha! genius!

[Sub-X]

Ah really? fair do's! I'm not informed enough on how it works in the UK I guess so probably wrong there.. I do know the bloody job centre demand them though!

Neither am I because I'm in Ireland  though in saying that and history past I would imagine there very few differences to be honest 

I got letter to appear for jury duty, sent reply stating my first order of business there would be to cast out demons in court room and annoint windows/doors with blood of Jesus. In addition, if any of man's law brought up did not agree with God's law I would object based on grounds religious persecution.

I was excused.

LMFAO  Brilliant 

[TheGoodFight1984]

Neither am I because I'm in Ireland  though in saying that and history past I would imagine there very few differences to be honest 

Aye I knew that, and yep you're probably right!

[Rock]

Tell them that since the age of 17 you developed Tourettes Syndrome, and every few minutes you bleat out a word.  Just by coincidence the word is "Guilty!"



Excused.


Rock

[Mashu]

Does anyone want to read the letter that I am sending?  I will post it when I finish it, that is, if anyone wants to read it.   Maybe to edit it, or give ideas. 

[molarediere]

write Ann Landers

[independentWV]

Does anyone want to read the letter that I am sending?  I will post it when I finish it, that is, if anyone wants to read it.   Maybe to edit it, or give ideas. 

Sure, post will help!

[Mashu]

To whom it may concern,

   My name is Matthew.  I enclose my name in case this part of the reply is “lost”.  I have also copied everything in case something does happen.   

   This letter is a request for being excused for January 20th and the two weeks thereafter, from jury duty.  There are multiple reasons, one being a mental disorder that I have had since I was young, which is: “Social Anxiety Disorder.”  I have not enclosed a doctors note because one, I am not a child being excused from school, and two, the “Five days” I have been given to get everything together and send is no where near the amount of time I need.  The best time I can do is in at least 10 days.  Due to the weather, insurance, financial issues, I cannot simply drive to the doctor and see him.  You know, driving in 6 inches of snow, down a hill with a car that is two wheel drive, is pretty much stupidity and should alone give me enough reason to say I am a “retard” because I think getting to the doctor out weighs the car I drive, and my life. 

           If you still require a letter like the school system, I will send it within a month.  That is, if I can get to the doctor in that time.  As I said, the 5 days is no where near the amount of time needed in this weather. 

   Now, to explain things further, I have no Job, no medical insurance, and as a result, go figure, no money.   The only way I can get a doctors note to be excused like a little child, which should be illegal in my eyes,( If your treated like a child you shouldn’t have to do jury duty), is if the state is to pay the doctor for my visit.  I have not been in a couple years because when the state bashes you in the head, they do damage, in my case, its financial.  Did I mention I am 21 and still live at home with my parents?

   If you want to get into detail, do to not having a signature from someone who goes to school for 14 years, I will give an account of my case. 

            Since I was young, I have had a severe problem with being around people I don’t know. As I continue to get older, it is getting worse.   In Junior High, I was so afraid to speak in front of the class, I go marked down on assignments.  Halfway through the year, I got the teacher to agree to allow me to only speak to him as practice, as in, do my assignment in front of him.   I was so afraid even at that I froze.   At the end of 9th grade, I convinced my parents to home school me, which has been great because I have learned more then the average person in school.  Why?  You don’t have the state dictating what you can, and cannot learn. 
   
   So from 10th to 12th, I had interaction with people of course, but I never had to do public speaking or speaking in front of random people.  I excelled, and graduated.   But, do to my disorder, I don’t have a job yet.  It scares me to the point I will take insults from people about my living condition, then to actually get out and get a job.  I would rather sit on my computer all day then to go to work and interact with people.   
   
   Of course, that’s what I have been doing for the past few years, playing on my computer and learning everything I can.  Granted, this is against what my parents want, which is to get out, get a job, get a girlfriend, yadda yadda.  Which I have had neither, nor do I wish to change this.  Having a girlfriend means talking to one, and talking to girls raises my heart rate and blood pressure to the point I get dizzy. 
   
   Recently, I was forced to renew my Driver’s license, which go figure, I get a jury summons right after.  Random selection?  I think not.  I have a higher chance at winning the lottery then getting randomly selected.  And beings another person from this address got one the same day I did, I am calling the states bluff.  I am saying its rigged, just like the elections.
   
   Anyways, I got the renewal reminder in the mail, and it freaked me out.  I tried to do it online, but since I was still considered a child at 21, I couldn’t.  So for a week I was stressing, to the point where I didn’t even sleep one night, until the day I went.  When I got there, I stood at the door for about 10 minutes trying to figure out what to do.  There was a messed up machine that looked like a box with tape on it, literally, that I had to press to get a ticket.  I sat down.  My hands and legs were shaking like I was about to have a seizure, and my hands were cold and sweaty like my feet.  My body temperature was elevated ironically.  When I got called up, I almost couldn’t stand up, but I did.  After all the red tape, I got to sign my name in a tiny box.  Which was fun because when you are trembling, singing inside the little box is hard.  And it shows because it looks like a little child wrote it.   I was made fun of by the guy taking the picture, being called “Uncle Tom”.  Why?  Who knows.     After I got out to my car, I sat there for 20 minutes while I calmed myself down enough to drive safely. 

   Among the sweaty hands and feet, freezing hands and feet, elevated body temperature, uncontrolled shaking, I also suffer from the cloudy mind.   As in, I can’t make rash decisions.  Guilty?  Not Guilty?  I don’t care, I just want it over with.           

   If my medical excuse isn’t acceptable because I don’t have a medical professional telling you I am mentally unfit, I also believe that God’s law is above Man’s law. 

For example, I cannot, and will not, take a vow under any circumstances.   I am sure you have a bible there, but in case its not near,    Jesus said in Matthew 5:34-37.  But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.  But let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No.  For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. 

 I cannot, and will not, judge anyone, because Judgement is God’s place, not mine.  If I were to say guilty, or not guilty, I am essentially claiming to have the power of God.  And by doing that, I am claiming to the world that, I do not believe that God is God.  And that would be condemning myself.   Jesus also said in Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.                  

I also believe that the system is corrupt, and only God’s law will fix that.  So I cannot support it because it goes against what God has said.

If you need a letter to prove this, I suggest the Bible.  Matthew is a good starting point.

If for some reason I made it to the jury box, if anything goes against God’s law, I will object with Religious Persecution.   For example, if I was told to vote guilty or not guilty, I would object with religious persecution, because God said not to judge, and I am essentially being told my beliefs are wrong.   

If the court cannot accept my excuse from serving Jury Duty, both because I cannot mentally do it, and because it goes against my religious beliefs, I will be writing a letter to the state along with a copy of this letter.

Thank you for your time,


   





                  

[Mashu]

That is just the rough draft...I will probably rewrite it.  In fact, thats the second copy as it is.  Any suggestions on editing?

[Pheonix Renewed]

That is just the rough draft...I will probably rewrite it.  In fact, thats the second copy as it is.  Any suggestions on editing?

I would put the religious reasons first, then the "mental" reasons. With any luck, they will read the religious reasons and not bother to go on. Really, your personal life story is not their business, and I wouldn't share it with them. I would keep it simple that you refuse to get a doctor's note because you aren't a child and because you cannot financially manage it. Keep it short, to the point, honest, and absolute. That's my personal opinion.

[headwest]

I heard of a guy who went the first day of jury selection.  The defending attorney asked him if he had any opinions on the case.  He said "yea, I think the SOB did it", he was excused.

[adissenter2]

jury duty is the highest form of service for a patriot

please please please!  research what a fully informed jury is capable of doing!

I personally am extremely saddened to the core that none of you posters besides Geolibertarian even hinted knowing anything about the fully informed jury and its function  








 

[Pheonix Renewed]

jury duty is the highest form of service for a patriot

please please please!  research what a fully informed jury is capable of doing!

I personally am extremely saddened to the core that none of you posters besides Geolibertarian even hinted knowing anything about the fully informed jury and its function  








 

With respect, I don't think you understand the problem the OP has. He isn't in a position to be able to help, even if he weren't 21 and definitely NOT an informed jurist.

I'm not trying to be rude to him, I'm sure he's quite intelligent, in fact, that's clear. But he's not mentally able to sit on a jury and speak to the other jurists and tell them the truth. If someone confronts or disagrees with him, he'll be in terrible mental anquish. That won't help anyone, and it sure as hell doesn't serve his mental health.

[Mashu]

Yeah.  I have enough problems, and going to jury duty is not something I can handle really right now.  I am working on my problems, its not like I am just sitting in a dark room with the blinds drawn.  But it takes time.  Not only that, but what made the whole thing worse, I had plans from January 15th to February 7th.  Ironically, I get it for the 20th of January.   So basically the whole time I was going to be gone, I all of a sudden have jury duty to do.

And even though I have the problem, its only in certain situations.  Mainly if I am by myself without anyone I know.  If that makes sense.  It could be a friend of a friend, as long as I know someone it makes it easier.    Its weird, and as of right now, I haven't figured out why I am the way I am yet. 

But for some reason, when it comes to the state, government, or debating, my mind freaks out and I can't control it.   By that I mean, interacting with people in situations that have to do with each thing, like, getting a license or Jury duty. 

Here is the new draft.  After I read Pheonix' post, it made perfect sense.  So I rewrote it and moved things around.   And, as Pheonix stated, its my life, its none of their business.   And its not so much that I wanted them to know about me, I was more or less trying to validate my claim verses giving them my life story. 

So I took out the examples, re-wrote a few things, and moved the religious part to the first part. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


To whom it may concern,

   My name is Matthew.  I enclose this in case this part of the reply is “lost”.  I have also copied everything in case something does come up.

   This letter is a request to be excused from Jury Duty from January 20th, and the 2 weeks there after, and beyond that.  There are two main reasons for my request: Religious Beliefs and a Mental Disorder.

   God’s Law is above Man’s Law.   I cannot, and will not, take a vow under any circumstances.   I am sure you have a bible there, but in case its not near,  Jesus said in Matthew 5:34-37.  But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne; nor by earth, for it is his footstool; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.  Nor shall you swear by your head, because you cannot make one hair white or black.  But let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No.  For whatever is more than these is from the evil one. 

    I cannot, and will not, judge anyone, because Judgement is God’s place, not mine.  If I were to say guilty, or not guilty, I am essentially claiming to have the power of God.  And by doing that, I am claiming to the world that, I do not believe that God is God.  And that would be condemning myself.   Jesus also said in Matthew 7:1-2 Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.                  

   I also believe that the system is corrupt, and only God’s law will fix that.  So I cannot support it because it goes against what God has said.

   If you need a letter to prove this, (like you want for pretty much everything else), I suggest the Bible.  Matthew is a good starting point. 

   If for some reason I make it to the jury, and something comes up that goes against God’s law, I will object with “Religious Persecution”.   For example, if I was told to vote guilty or not guilty, I would object with “Religious Persecution”, because God said NOT to judge, and in that situation,  I am essentially being told my beliefs are wrong, making it religious persecution. . 

   Now, the mental disorder I suffer from is “Social Anxiety Disorder”.  I have not enclosed a doctors note because one, I am not a child being excused from school.  And two, the “Five days” I have been given to get everything together and send, is no where near the amount of time I need. . With the current driving conditions, I would be classified as being “retarded” if I tried to leave from where I am.  And, even if I did some how get to the doctor, how would I pay for it?  I have no job, no medical insurance, and no money.   Due to these issues, I will not go to the doctor to get an “excuse note” like a seven year old who missed school.   It’s a waste of my time, dignity, and the doctor’s time, because he won’t work for free. 

   In short, the duties involved with being on a jury are both against my Religious Beliefs as well as not in my best interest.  It will place an even greater stress on my mind that doesn’t have to be there.   

   So again, this is a request to be excused for Jury Duty from the dates given to me.  That is, January 20th and two weeks after.  And beyond that allotted time.                   
   
Thank you for your time,
Matthew

[Pheonix Renewed]

I think that's great, but I would also state, instead of: This letter is a request to be excused from Jury Duty from January 20th, and the 2 weeks there after, and beyond that.  There are two main reasons for my request: Religious Beliefs and a Mental Disorder.

I'd say: This letter is a notice to you of why I am unable to perform Jury Duty... etc. There are two main reasons for this: Religious Beliefs and a Mental Illness. (I would use illness, not disorder)

No requesting. Wording really does matter, and stating it, instead of requesting it, shows that you really do mean business, and you're not asking permission.

[adissenter2]

I bet if you put as much effort into becoming a fully informed juror as you have into finding excuses to get out of serving, you may change you letter to request serving as a juror at another time.

Just think about it, you may have the chance at helping a fellow patriot trapped in the court system.

What an honor that would be!

But then again if it is to hard for you to handle then I would get out of it, and again I repeat what Geolibertarian brought up, the easiest way would be to state in your letter or by appearance that you are part of the fully informed jury association. 

[adissenter2]

example

Legality of Income Tax Conference - June 29, 2000 Marcella Brooks Talk Marcella Brooks served as foreman of the jury in the trial of Whitey Harrell. Her account of the deliberations of this jury is both powerful and stirring due to the facts of the situation, combined with her tremendous personal credibility. Personally, I find these fourteen minutes to be one of the most powerful accounts anyone could show to those who doubt the legitimacy of issues raised by the Tax Movement.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6716929127738729234

[bethanne]

When I went in for jury selection I told them that I could not be objective. Period. They sent me home