I was assigned jury duty a few weeks after Max died. Somehow my brother got me out of it. Still not sure how he did it, but I am grateful Of course, a few months later, I got another summons. So, my therapist and my regular doctor filled out and signed the request for an excuse - based on my horrific grief and post traumatic stress. I think anyone who has been up close and personal with me over the last seven months knows that I am not up for jury duty. I received another summons in the mail indicating that they received my request to be dismissed but that my request was not granted.
Now, I am not just trying to get out my duty. Last time I was on jury duty, I was really into it. I was on my A game. I served for three weeks. I was the jury foreman even. I play by the rules. I don't ignore my summons, pretend I never got it, or throw it in the trash. I call in and see if I need to report for duty. Last night I called in and today I am reporting to jury duty at 7:30 am. Honestly, if having your baby die and suffering from PTSD is not a good enough excuse, I think you need to die yourself to get out of it. I think it is an important duty to serve the justice system and to take part in the judicial process but I just can't imagine that I am the type of person that they are looking for to make well thought out decisions that will affect another person's life (because I actually care about how my actions affect other people's lives). Anyway, I am lucky, my mom is coming with me for moral support. Wish us luck.
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That is absolutely ridiculous--people get out of jury duty for all sorts of mundane things, but yours isn't a good enough excuse?! That really makes me mad. I've heard that many times you can be dismissed just by telling them your story in person--I really hope they sent you home right away.
If they choose you, you can either tell them (and everyone else in the courtroom) why you don't think you would make a good juror and tell them the truth. And if you don't feel comfortable telling the entire room, you can ask to have a private moment with the lawyers and judge and tell them what is going on. I know this from experience. You will not have to serve. Good luck, but I don't think you'll need it. You'll be ok. Love to you.
I agree with Marla--just tell them directly either in private or if you feel brave enough tell the whole room. There is no way any lawyer who is "human" would put you through that. I'm sure you'll be able to get out of it but sorry you have to deal with it--that whole having to "act normal" must be so so tough. Love you, glad your Mom will be going with you for support. xo
I'm an attorney and I'm really appalled that they would make you go through that. I know you probably got dismissed once you got there (I hope!) but to even make you schlep down there and go through the process is just ridiculous.
We had to take our 4 year old to the ER last week. They immediately took us to the same room that our son died in. My husband stepped in and stepped back out and said, "No." The nurse got all huffy about it and insisted we go in there. He finally said, very loudly, "This is the room I sat in four 4 hours, watching my son's body turn blue in. I'm not going in there. Now, take us to another room."
We are no longer afraid of being vocal about what we will or will not do. Too bad if it makes someone else feel uncomfortable. I wouldn't hesitate to sit there in that court room and let everyone know that I am not ready to help serve justice when I can barely take care my myself and my family.
Good luck!
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