Jury Discharged Without Verdict In Chicago
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You should be prepared to provide documents to show why you need to be excused from jury duty. You may be excused for a "family situation" if you are the "primary caregiver of a person with a mental or physical disability, a person with a medically diagnosed behavior problem, or a child under age 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).
Jurors who fail to show adequate cause for their absence from jury duty may be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned not more than three days, ordered to perform community service, or any combination thereof.
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.
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.
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.
When writing a jury excuse letter, directly state why you cannot serve and how serving would lead to hardship. Valid exemptions include being ill or disabled, being the sole guardian of young children, or being over the age of 70. Include documentation such as a doctor's note or a letter from an employer.
Examples include: Full-Time Student, Care Giver, Child Care, Temporary Medical Condition, Scheduled Vacation, or Work Schedule conflict.
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 appear for jury service when summoned is a serious matter. If you do not complete the summons questionnaire and do not show up for jury duty, you will be put in the next available month for jury duty until you have served. You may be held in contempt of court and could be fined up to $100.00.
