What are some of the best excuses people have used when they didn't want to show up for jury duty? You are not fluent in English. You are disabled, evidenced by a physician's attestation. You are hospitalized, again evidenced by a physician's attestation.
Medical conditions, deafness, difficult sitting for long periods, people who know the defendant or officers, people who've been victims of crimes, financial hardship, and more will be excused. Depending on the county, they might call 100 people to select just 12.
When selecting a jury, both parties may remove potential jurors using an unlimited number of challenges for cause (e.g., stated reasons such as bias) and a limited number of peremptory challenges (i.e., do not need to state a reason).
All Others: If you feel that it is impossible for you to serve as a juror and wish to be excused from service, you must submit documentary proof of the reason why. Please call our information line at 1-800-449-2819 to receive information about the proof you must provide.
A juror could be dismissed for illness, a family emergency or because it was discovered they disobeyed instructions and spoke to the media. It could also happen if it is discovered their lied on their questionnaire or a witness testifies that they have a connection with.
During voir dire, either attorney may ask that a prospective juror be dismissed if he or she reveals information that might indicate a bias. For example, if someone were a relative of the plaintiff or defendant.
By law, the courts will excuse from jury duty anyone with a mental or physical condition that would keep them from serving as a juror. There is not an exemption based on age, but you may request to be excused if you have a hardship that would make it difficult to serve.
Failure to complete and return a jury questionnaire, providing false information on the questionnaire, or using vulgar or profane language in response to a jury questionnaire subjects a citizen to show cause proceeding for contempt of court.
Failure to complete and return a jury questionnaire, providing false information on the questionnaire, or using vulgar or profane language in response to a jury questionnaire subjects a citizen to show cause proceeding for contempt of court.