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Post by monklady123 on Sept 23, 2021 9:15:34 GMT
UPDATE: hahahaha After all my worrying and planning on how to get excused from the jury duty I got a text and an email at 4:30 this afternoon, for my jury duty on Monday, saying "DO NOT REPORT. Service complete. Eligible again in 3 years." lolol...  ORIGINAL POST: Anyone had to do jury duty since Delta made its appearance? I was summoned last year, before vaccines, and I asked for a deferment then (well, I actually told them I wasn't coming in in the middle of a pandemic ) -- I suspect they just deferred everyone. Anyway, my new date is this coming Monday. sigh. But I personally know several people who are fully vaccinated and who have covid now (one was even in one of those antibody studies back before vaccines, plus she has both doses of vaccine). Our juror website says that masks are required inside the courthouse but doesn't say anything about vaccine status. I'm really nervous about sitting in a room with a bunch of people, no matter how far apart they keep us. I'm supposed to call the hotline tomorrow after 5:00 to see if I have to report on Monday. Best case will be if I don't have to go in at all. But if I do have to report...well I'm here trying to think of what to say to have them reject me. What do you think they don't want to hear from a prospective juror? Age-wise I'm eligible for a booster shot so technically doesn't that mean I'm higher risk? ugh. Anyone remember Archie Bunker's comment about "would you want your fate decided by 12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty?" Yes, it's a joke so don't come after me for that. I know jury duty is one of our civic responsibilities and in normal times I wouldn't mind because I'm curious about how it all works (I've never been called in all the years since I turned 18 and registered to vote). But not during a pandemic!  |
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maryannscraps
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,731
Aug 28, 2017 12:51:28 GMT
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Post by maryannscraps on Sept 23, 2021 10:35:09 GMT
Perhaps it will be canceled. Mine was earlier this year. Otherwise, since you're vaccinated, wear an N95 and you'll be fine.
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Jili
Pearl Clutcher
SLPea
Posts: 4,363
Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
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Post by Jili on Sept 23, 2021 11:54:41 GMT
I had jury duty several weeks ago. I didn’t get called to a courtroom, but I can definitely say that they were serious about precautions in the jury room. Prospective jurors were well-spaced. When panels were called, it looked like they were given masks or shields of some type to carry into the courtroom. I’m not sure what that was all about, as masks were required in the jury room and everyone was wearing them.
I didn’t feel unsafe and I’m confident I would have felt similarly if I’d had to go to a courtroom.
I’m careful when it comes to precautions, but I’m immersed in a sea of people all day long who really can’t social distance, even though there are plenty of measures taken, in theory (elementary school). Jury duty was a far safer environment from a covid standpoint.
With that, I'm sick of getting called for jury duty. I've been called numerous times in my adult life and am familiar with various court facilities throughout the metro area. There was one time I didn't need to report after calling in, but otherwise, I go and sit for the day. Several years ago I sat on a federal jury in downtown Chicago for a weeklong trial. Then the week afterward, I had to call in every day, since Federal jury duty is a two-week stint.
I'm happy to do my civic duty and found it to be a seriously interesting experience, but I feel as if it's someone else's turn now. I know so many people who have never been called.
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keithurbanlovinpea
Pearl Clutcher
Flowing with the go...
Posts: 4,271 
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Post by keithurbanlovinpea on Sept 23, 2021 11:55:48 GMT
I did last month. We wore masks and they had us spaced out in the jury room(s) and in lines. Lots of hand sanitizer stations, etc. I guess from my perspective, Covid is never going to go away so I do what I need to protect myself
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Post by freecharlie on Sept 23, 2021 12:05:56 GMT
Masks and social distancing was in full swing last jury duty.
I'm not speaking to your case, of course, but Covid put a lot of cases on hold. I know the victim personally in a sexual assault case that just keeps getting pushed back. Every few months she has the stress of having to face him and the trauma of preparing to testify just to have it pushed back again. It has been almost 3 years since his arrest.
Our justice system cannot stop.
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ellen
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,508
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Post by ellen on Sept 23, 2021 12:24:08 GMT
A few years ago I was summoned and each time I called the number I didn't have to go in - same for my husband.
I served on a jury about 20 years ago. I remember they did ask questions about whether this would be a hardship to serve. One guy was pissed that he was there and that it would financially hurt him. They let him go. If I were you, I would just go with it and hope I don't get called in. If you do have to go in, they are going to use really good Covid precautions.
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Post by mollycoddle on Sept 23, 2021 12:37:57 GMT
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Post by houstonsandy on Sept 23, 2021 12:41:59 GMT
I went for jury duty over the summer. Rather than having trials in the courthouse downtown they are holding court in NRG stadium...a very large sports arena. Bonus: parking was so much easier! Everyone was screened as they entered for temperature (and weapons..lol) They had the "holding" area well spaced out. Once I was called back to a "room" (which was a sectioned off part of the stadium) we were still well separated. We had to wear headphones and speak into a microphone (because the partitions did not allow for you to not hear the next "room" otherwise). The only time you were on your own as far as self distancing was during the lunch break and when we had to stand in the "hall" outside the "room" while the lawyers made their strikes. Of course masks were required ect.
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Post by sabrinae on Sept 23, 2021 13:20:54 GMT
Each court is doing something slightly different. Masks are required. Courts are spacing jurors out with social distancing including using the gallery seating usually used for the public. Many trials are being pushed back depending on the Covid situation. I’m in a rural area but we’ve only had one felony level trial since Covid began. A couple others have been scheduled but got pushed due to various issues. Municipal court has been having trials and they have been doing the masks and spacing— they do zoom for just about every other hearing.
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peabrain
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,588
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Post by peabrain on Sept 23, 2021 13:24:01 GMT
Anyone had to do jury duty since Delta made its appearance? I was summoned last year, before vaccines, and I asked for a deferment then (well, I actually told them I wasn't coming in in the middle of a pandemic  ) -- I suspect they just deferred everyone. Anyway, my new date is this coming Monday. sigh. But I personally know several people who are fully vaccinated and who have covid now (one was even in one of those antibody studies back before vaccines, plus she has both doses of vaccine). Our juror website says that masks are required inside the courthouse but doesn't say anything about vaccine status. I'm really nervous about sitting in a room with a bunch of people, no matter how far apart they keep us. I'm supposed to call the hotline tomorrow after 5:00 to see if I have to report on Monday. Best case will be if I don't have to go in at all. But if I do have to report...well I'm here trying to think of what to say to have them reject me. What do you think they don't want to hear from a prospective juror? Age-wise I'm eligible for a booster shot so technically doesn't that mean I'm higher risk? ugh. Anyone remember Archie Bunker's comment about "would you want your fate decided by 12 people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty?" Yes, it's a joke so don't come after me for that. I know jury duty is one of our civic responsibilities and in normal times I wouldn't mind because I'm curious about how it all works (I've never been called in all the years since I turned 18 and registered to vote). But not during a pandemic! I went for a federal case once. Not during a pandemic. The court gave a run down of what the case was about. Then one of the attorneys asked me if I thought I could be impartial. Due to factors of the case, I said no and I was let go. |
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breetheflea
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,918
Location: PNW
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Post by breetheflea on Sept 23, 2021 13:26:39 GMT
I will at the end of October (postponed from July.)
DH had it last Spring and he had to report to our county fairgrounds instead of the courthouse downtown. His case was postponed so he only went the one day so I'm not sure how the actual courtroom part is going during COVID.
I've been called for jury duty 5 or 6 times in the last 16 years but have only had to go in once. Knock on wood.
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Post by CardBoxer on Sept 23, 2021 13:28:58 GMT
Your age = high risk, and if you have any underlying health conditions, use that. Delta is so much more transmissible, and it laughs at the poor quality (aka flat) masks many people wear, and the way many people wear their masks, so air gets in and gets out.
If I had to go I’d wear an N95 or approved KN95, and check no air could escape. But I’d get out of it. Good luck!
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Post by mom on Sept 23, 2021 13:42:08 GMT
I had jury duty a month ago and was fine. The courts had everyone wear a mask and while we weren't a full 6ft apart, we had a chair between us, no sharing pens, etc. Hopefully your county will be using caution as well.
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Post by twinks on Sept 23, 2021 14:09:05 GMT
I had jury duty and served on a 5 day trial. The packet of questions we received had questions regarding your feelings of Covid. They asked about vaccine status, wearing a mask, etc. Jury selection was virtual. They were very cautious and social distancing was employed. The Jury Room usually is for 1 group of jurors. Lunch was brought in and we were able to eat and maintain social distance. Hand Sanitizers were everywhere. We were separated in half so we could social distance. During deliberations we were placed in a large enough room that we could social distance. The courtroom had the Judge, Witness Stand, and the Lawyer’s Tables behind Plexiglass. We were also behind Plexiglass in 2 rows. Masks were worn by almost everyone unless they were talking. Also the galley wasn’t very full and was social distanced.
I felt very safe. In fact I felt safer there than my stupid unmasked grocery store. I am also of the age that I can get the booster. Yeah! I felt the Judge ran a very respectful courtroom in many ways. He was very aware and respectful of us.
It is such a personal decision. If you don’t feel comfortable and don’t believe you will be safe, I would certainly let them know.
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Post by lisae on Sept 23, 2021 16:47:02 GMT
DH had jury duty a few weeks ago and was dismissed before he even got in the door. I couldn't believe it and made him call all back and ask the clerks office if that meant for the day or the entire week. I guess what they did was take enough of the early arrivals to fill their needs and sent the rest home. He didn't even go through the metal detector. Usually you don't want to be late for court, but in this case it kept him off jury duty. It wasn't intentional, just happened that way.
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Post by epeanymous on Sept 23, 2021 16:51:10 GMT
Most jurisdictions are trying to space people out, require masks, etc. Many jurisdictions also will let you defer once without a problem, but, after that, are less inclined to do so.
I am careful, and I don't spend extended time indoors with people I don't know are vaccinated, generally, but I would be comfortable with the protocols that the courts here have been taking. You want to know where I dread going? The pediatrician's office!
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Post by monklady123 on Sept 23, 2021 17:38:14 GMT
DH had jury duty a few weeks ago and was dismissed before he even got in the door. I couldn't believe it and made him call all back and ask the clerks office if that meant for the day or the entire week. I guess what they did was take enough of the early arrivals to fill their needs and sent the rest home. He didn't even go through the metal detector. Usually you don't want to be late for court, but in this case it kept him off jury duty. It wasn't intentional, just happened that way. Good to know! Usually I'm the one who shows up early for anything. In this case though, if I have to go in at all, I'll lurk around in front of the building until a few minutes before I need to be there. lol |
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Post by maryland on Sept 23, 2021 21:21:21 GMT
I had jury duty 3 yrs. ago. I got picked and I was not happy! But it ended up being not bad at all. The worst part was the 45 min. drive and having to ride in an elevator (I'm terrified of elevators). The group I was with was wonderful! We had a nurse, a couple teachers, business people, SAHMs and me with a law degree. Everyone was good at listening to every jurors thoughts and everyone was so respectful. I really enjoyed my "jury duty friends". It only lasted one day, but we were there 13 hrs. I don't know that I would be thrilled to do it during the pandemic, even vaccinated. But I don't think unvaccinated should get off the hook. Maybe that would be an incentive to get the vaccine, you could get off jury duty!  |
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garcia5050
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,729
Location: So. Calif.
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Post by garcia5050 on Sept 23, 2021 22:10:39 GMT
I had jury duty a month ago and was fine. The courts had everyone wear a mask and while we weren't a full 6ft apart, we had a chair between us, no sharing pens, etc. Hopefully your county will be using caution as well. I just finished my jury duty two weeks ago. I had this same experience. Prospective jurors are split into two panels, so it took twice as long to get to jury selection. My nephew was a juror on a federal 6 week case and got a bad flu smack in the middle. That was concerning because they were taking all these same precautions and he still got sick. |
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Post by monklady123 on Sept 24, 2021 21:48:21 GMT
Bumping for my update. lol
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Post by maryland on Sept 24, 2021 23:36:02 GMT
That's great! In our county, if we don't have to report, we are eligible again in 18 months. And they will call again in 18 months! If you get picked for jury duty, we don't have to serve again for 3 yrs. When I was in law school, our dean was telling us that lawyers hardly ever get picked. So I thought I didn't have to worry about jury duty. I was wrong! I heard of many lawyers that got picked. |
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Post by Zee on Sept 25, 2021 1:52:07 GMT
So I see you weren't picked. I recently had a summons and had to wait every day for a week to see if I was needed the next day. Not very easy to plan your 12 hour night shifts around that! But they ended up never calling me. They texted each day around 4:30 to tell me I wasn't needed.
I would have been thrilled to be called, I could use the time off work. I was hoping for a long murder case or something. I can't even seem to get Covid to get off work 😭😜
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) -- I suspect they just deferred everyone. Anyway, my new date is this coming Monday. sigh. But I personally know several people who are fully vaccinated and who have covid now (one was even in one of those antibody studies back before vaccines, plus she has both doses of vaccine). Our juror website says that masks are required inside the courthouse but doesn't say anything about vaccine status. I'm really nervous about sitting in a room with a bunch of people, no matter how far apart they keep us. 
