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.
Among the more common reasons jury service is excused are: Your age. You are not a U.S. citizen. You have a medical condition that would impede your jury service. You recently served on a jury in state or federal court.
In some districts the judge selects the foreperson of the jury. In other districts the jurors elect their foreperson and in still other districts the first juror to enter the jury box becomes the foreperson automatically.
Don't lose your temper, try to bully, or refuse to listen to the opinions of other jurors. Don't mark or write on exhibits or otherwise change or injure them.
If you know the parties to the case or any of the court officials, or if your answers to questions lead the attorneys or the judge to feel that you could not be objective in considering the evidence in this trial, you will be dismissed, with the court's thanks.
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.
Reasons for Being Excused from Jury Service Medical reasons. Public necessity. Undue hardship. Dependent care. Student Status. Military conflict. Other reason deemed sufficient by the court.
Even after a jury trial, a judge may order a new trial if a party proves a juror lied during voir dire and hid something that would have kept him or her off the jury.