# Please, advice on how to get my sister out of jury duty because of financial hardship!! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 16, 2017, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079 "2017-06-16T02:30:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/21 "2017-06-16T12:57:45Z")
> [@Anise](#): > > Thanks all! I’ll ask her to show me the original letter… we were both just kind of flipping out today and not processing a lot of rational thought. What she did say, though, was that the letter stated the trial would be at least seven weeks. We’re in Oregon, btw. By the way, I’ve never been called for a specific trial but I think that the letter specifically mentions that the trial is going to last that long is probably meant to immediately eliminate all of the people (like your sister) who can’t serve that long. There’s no point in bringing in 200 people when 190 of them can’t be available that long. Better to remove them from the pool before they’re asked to come in. ---
**Author:** ![Desert\_Nomad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desert_nomad/32/177_2.png) [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/22 "2017-06-16T13:01:32Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > Not in NY. You can be called for Grand Jury duty and be obligated to come very day, stay every day, for a minimum of a month. No excuses. Almost zero ways to get out of it. > > The only choices are deferral to a later time or coming once a week for a year. You could leave New York. Being out of the jurisdiction is generally a valid reason to excuse you. I got a notice while I was living overseas and obviously was not going to return to the US for a few days. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/23 "2017-06-16T13:08:03Z")
> [@Desert\_Nomad](#): > > You could leave New York. Being out of the jurisdiction is generally a valid reason to excuse you. I got a notice while I was living overseas and obviously was not going to return to the US for a few days. Actually, just leave the county I’m in will work too. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/24 "2017-06-16T13:13:58Z")
Don’t Threadshit. If all you have is criticism for the topic of the thread, stay out. > [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](#): > > I see you are here for advice to help your sister shirk her civic duty. Who doesn’t want to get out of jury duty? > > Before I share any advice with you, I need to know: does your sister vote? ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/25 "2017-06-16T13:24:38Z")
Was the threadshitting the sentiment expressed, or the words/tone used? Because I could imagine there being an intelligent exchange of opinions as to one’s civic duties, and how to style one’s life in light of those. ---
**Author:** ![IvoryTowerDenizen](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ivorytowerdenizen/32/17937_2.png) [@IvoryTowerDenizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IvoryTowerDenizen)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/26 "2017-06-16T13:39:57Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > Was the threadshitting the sentiment expressed, or the words/tone used? Because I could imagine there being an intelligent exchange of opinions as to one’s civic duties, and how to style one’s life in light of those. The tone was overly critical, implying that not being able to serve jury duty is _de facto_ a “shirking of ones duty”, and any conversation on that topic would be worth criticizing. A thoughtful discussion around getting out of jury duty would be a hijack, since this thread is not a debate on the topic but a request for help and advice, but not a threadshit. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/27 "2017-06-16T13:47:48Z")
I had grand jury duty in Oregon. It was all day, every day, for a month. I had to beg to get lunch scheduled (the time didn’t matter, just knowing a particular time when I would be free for an hour) on one day so I could see a suicidal client. We reviewed 80+ cases. ---
**Author:** ![Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/channing_idaho_banks/32/250_2.png) [@Channing\_Idaho\_Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Channing_Idaho_Banks)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/28 "2017-06-16T13:58:55Z")
I will stay out of the thread. ---
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/29 "2017-06-16T14:02:44Z")
> [@IvoryTowerDenizen](#): > > The tone was overly critical, implying that not being able to serve jury duty is _de facto_ a “shirking of ones duty”, and any conversation on that topic would be worth criticizing. > > A thoughtful discussion around getting out of jury duty would be a hijack, since this thread is not a debate on the topic but a request for help and advice, but not a threadshit. Thanks for the clarification. ---
**Author:** ![Pixel\_Dent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bc8723/32.png) [@Pixel\_Dent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pixel_Dent)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/30 "2017-06-16T14:07:45Z")
> [@susan](#): > > I had grand jury duty in Oregon. It was all day, every day, for a month. I had to beg to get lunch scheduled (the time didn’t matter, just knowing a particular time when I would be free for an hour) on one day so I could see a suicidal client. We reviewed 80+ cases. A friend’s spouse served on a Grand Jury in NC and discovered that one of his duties as a grand juror was to inspect the county jails and write a report on their condition. I seem to remember he said that most grand jury’s don’t bother but he made sure his actually made the inspection tour. ---
**Author:** ![Anise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/anise/32/21721_2.png) [@Anise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anise)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/31 "2017-06-16T17:44:06Z")
I’m sorry Susan! ☹ Yep, we’re in Oregon too. My sister works so unbelievably hard… but it’s more than that. She volunteers at the Coffee Creek Women’s Prison every Saturday morning… she’s a board member at KBOO, the community radio station… she provides employment for homeless people… she started the first trans pride march in Portland and she’s volunteering at the Pride festival this Sunday… but wait, there’s more. She was a community organizer for 20 years and ran for U.S. Senate three times, twice in Tennessee, once in Oregon (all for zero money, of course.) I think she’s earned the right to have someone else take that jury duty spot. And no, I’m not sure how she does it. 😉 I’m going to have to remember how great she is the next time she’s driving me crazy. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/32 "2017-06-16T18:12:19Z")
When I served on a jury, the judge excused people for financial hardship or if they were taking care of a relative, among other things. So the woman who was taking care of her elderly parent and the other woman with children at home were excused but not the woman taking care of her son’s children. In the words of the judge, it was up to her son to make alternative arrangements. So it’s possible that claiming you aren’t available due to volunteer work might not fly with the judge. He/she might say that the organization will need to find someone else. I would concentrate her argument on the financial loss to her family if she is on a jury for seven weeks or more. ---
**Author:** ![PoppaSan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/poppasan/32/189_2.png) [@PoppaSan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PoppaSan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/33 "2017-06-16T21:52:00Z")
> [@Anise](#): > > I’m sorry Susan! ☹ Yep, we’re in Oregon too. My sister works so unbelievably hard… but it’s more than that. She volunteers at the Coffee Creek Women’s Prison every Saturday morning… she’s a board member at KBOO, the community radio station… she provides employment for homeless people… she started the first trans pride march in Portland and she’s volunteering at the Pride festival this Sunday… but wait, there’s more. She was a community organizer for 20 years and ran for U.S. Senate three times, twice in Tennessee, once in Oregon (all for zero money, of course.) I think she’s earned the right to have someone else take that jury duty spot. > > And no, I’m not sure how she does it. 😉 I’m going to have to remember how great she is the next time she’s driving me crazy. Sounds to me like she is unemployed and has no one financially dependent on her daily activities. Perfect person to sit in a court room all day. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/34 "2017-06-16T22:00:20Z")
They flat out told my mom that getting something from her employer wouldn’t work, but then her employer did it anyways, and she got out of it. (Though she actually wanted to do jury duty since it would pay about the same but without as much labor.) I realize this situation is different, but I just wanted to point out that, even if they tell you having someone write something won’t work, go ahead and try it anyways. (I can’t imagine it’s a crime to try.) ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/35 "2017-06-16T22:05:30Z")
> [@PoppaSan](#): > > Sounds to me like she is unemployed and has no one financially dependent on her daily activities. Perfect person to sit in a court room all day. Perhaps a look at the OP would refresh your memory. > [@](#): > > She’s self employed as a small business owner, 100% responsible for financially supporting the household, and a spouse with health issues who doesn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [June 16, 2017, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/36 "2017-06-16T22:53:14Z")
Simple. Wear a tin-foil hat and shout angry, racist diatribes randomly. You’ll get sent home pretty quick, I bet. What? You don’t like that idea? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Knowed\_Out](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/knowed_out/32/7380_2.png) [@Knowed\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowed_Out)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2017, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/37 "2017-06-17T13:05:31Z")
Actually, Gato is on to something. I was excused from a civil case because the plaintiff’s lawyer didn’t like my opinion on alternative medicine. Just tell sis to act like an unhinged wing nut. If it’s a criminal case involving theft, sis can say “My mother had xxx stolen from her, and she suffers daily for the loss. I think all thieves should be given the maximum sentence no matter what they stole.” She can show up wearing a hangman’s cowl and carrying a noose for more visual effect. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 17, 2017, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/38 "2017-06-17T20:51:00Z")
There’s no voir dire for grand jury in Oregon, so no opportunity to be evaluated as being a wingnut. ---
**Author:** ![Whatever4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@Whatever4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whatever4)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/39 "2017-06-19T01:59:51Z")
I was called for jury duty 5 times in less than 10 years of occasional bouts of sanity. While I wouldn’t wish a mental illness on anyone, trying to talk to the Bailiff whilst in the middle of a panic attack made him very agreeable to removing my name from the jury pool _permanently_. Just provide a letter from my doctor. Thenk yew veddy much. I was released another time when I said that innocent until proven guilty is a nice theory but I wasn’t so sure it really worked. I mean, you’ve arrested someone, right? “I work for lawyers.” worked, too. I wasn’t lying. I saw it as protecting the court from having to interrupt the trial to deal with a stark raving maniac on crack. ---
**Author:** ![nearwildheaven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/90db22/32.png) [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079/40 "2017-06-19T04:23:10Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > When I served on a jury, the judge excused people for financial hardship or if they were taking care of a relative, among other things. So the woman who was taking care of her elderly parent and the other woman with children at home were excused but not the woman taking care of her son’s children. In the words of the judge, it was up to her son to make alternative arrangements. So it’s possible that claiming you aren’t available due to volunteer work might not fly with the judge. He/she might say that the organization will need to find someone else. I would concentrate her argument on the financial loss to her family if she is on a jury for seven weeks or more. The incident I’m about to describe happened almost 40 years ago, but I would imagine the same decision would be made nowadays. I have a friend who was called for jury duty, and was told, probably in voir dire, that there was a chance that they would have to be sequestered for an unknown period. At the time, she was recently divorced with two preschoolers; her ex-husband lived here in town and they got along OK but he had a job where he would often be called out of town on very short notice, and there really wasn’t anyone who could take the kids for more than a day or two. When this story was confirmed, she was excused. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-advice-on-how-to-get-my-sister-out-of-jury-duty-because-of-financial-hardship/789079.md?page=3)