This won’t get you excused from sitting there in the jury lounge for two days but it’ll get you out of being on a case, which means two days is the maximum amount of time you’ll serve. If that is the case, make sure that you clearly inform the court of this reality--and have documentation to support this situation. The judge on the trial felt that President Clinton (and the Secret Service agents who follow him at all times) would sensationalize the atmosphere in the courtroom.

Hey, we didn't say anything about this being the easily accessible way.

Your employer is not required to pay you for days that you miss while serving on a jury, but your employer cannot fire, intimidate, or punish you for serving on a jury.

If you don’t fall into one of these groups, you can try writing a letter explaining why you shouldn’t need to serve, including undue hardship or extreme inconvenience, like living far from the court or experiencing a grave illness. Whether you say you're "prejudiced against all the races," as per Homer Simpson, or simply claim that your Grandma died, lying is a time-honored way to both get out of jury duty AND get thrown in jail for contempt of court. There are 21 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Another way to be excused is to attend the jury service date and ask to be excused.

Frankly, your presence would be distracting in the courtroom. You could be charged with perjury or contempt of court, which could result in fines and/or jail time. Obtain a written statement from your employer establishing specifically why your absence from work at this time will cause a significant hardship. If you have a health condition that precludes you from ever serving on a jury, make sure your doctor specifically sets this out in a written document.

There's some debate over whether that's true or not.

Determine if you’re part of an exempt group, including being in the armed forces on active duty, employed by a fire or police department, or a state or federal public officer who works full-time. Ratliffe did get out of jury duty, but he also spent 24 hours in jail for obstruction of justice before he finally agreed to apologize to the judge. I killed someone with it, of course. Inform the court that you are a student and that your academic commitments prevent you from serving on a jury at this time. The Smart Way: Know a Bit of Legal Trivia Mike Broemmel began writing in 1982. This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 58,332 times. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. If you present the court with reasons why you feel you should be excused but are not granted leave by the court, make sure that you appear when ordered so that you avoid serious legal consequences. http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/learn-about-jury-service, http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/national-ejuror-program, http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/juror-qualifications, http://definitions.uslegal.com/u/undue-hardship-or-extreme-inconvenience-jury-service/, http://www.mytwodollars.com/2010/06/10/ways-to-get-out-of-jury-duty-summons/, http://www.marketwatch.com/story/want-to-get-out-of-jury-duty-heres-how-2011-05-09?page=2, http://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service/juror-pay, http://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/defendants-rights/should-i-try-get-out-jury-duty-lying, http://lifehacker.com/eight-myths-about-jury-duty-debunked-1538152456, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow.

Throughout the mid-1800s, northern juries would frequently nullify prosecutions against people who violated the Fugitive Slave Laws. At that time, advise the court and counsel that under the circumstances of the case you are unable to fairly participate on a jury. Some people hold political or religious beliefs incompatible with impartial jury service. Contact your health care provider and obtain a statement setting forth why you are incapable of serving on a jury at this time for health reasons. You may have a qualifying excuse from jury duty, or the judge or attorneys may decide that they do not want you to serve.

Official website for the U.S. court system

If you lie about a hardship to get out of serving and the judge catches you in your lie, you can be punished.

Can I get out of federal jury duty if there's no transportation?

X

What Does the Doctor's Note Have to Say for Jury Duty?

If your service would be an undue hardship on your employer because your presence at work is critical to the business, you can ask your employer to write a letter to the court explaining the circumstances and requesting your excusal.

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Be sure that whatever reason you use to get out of serving is truthful.

Broemmel served on the staff of the White House Office of Media Relations.

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Can I get out of jury duty if I cannot read or write? Free from an prior felony convictions, unless your civil rights have been legally restored. You may be able to convince the judge if, for example, you need to care for a child or sick relative or are a student who can’t miss classes. Federal jurors are paid $40 per day. Read More: How to Write Request Letters for Jury Duty. Ratliffe did get out of jury duty, but he also spent 24 hours in jail for obstruction of justice before he finally agreed to apologize to the judge. Federal district courts select citizens for federal jury service from lists of registered voters and driver’s license holders. In several countries including the US, the citizens have a responsibility to serve jury duty occasionally. [1] For example, if you have a child with special needs, your participation on a jury may cause undue hardship and even jeopardize the health of your child.

You will be in the best position to be excused from jury duty now if you make it clear to the court that you are willing to participate in this service in the future. United States Courts

Employed by a fire or police department; or. You need to be honest in this regard.

Do this instead of not showing up to scheduled jury duty …

United States Courts Let the jury coordinator know that you are willing to serve during school breaks.

The first jury nullification happened in 1670, when William Penn (of Pennsylvania fame) and William Mead (of no fame) were charged with unlawful assembly—a crime basically created to prevent unsanctioned religious groups from getting together to worship.

If you need legal advice, contact a licensed attorney.

If you get called to do jury duty, it's your civic obligation to go through with it. Go to source Provide evidence to the court that you have unique child care needs that cannot appropriately be fulfilled in your absence. When the judge asks if anyone on the jury can’t serve, explain why you believe you shouldn’t have to stay. Trustworthy Source