Posted on Aug 30, 2016
Does being a veteran keep you from serving on a jury?
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I ask because yesterday I was called for jury duty. I was selected to a group of 28 potential jurors who went to a courtroom to be questioned by the judge and lawyers. When questioning revealed that I had served in the military I could see red pens come out on both sides to mark their spreadsheets. Ultimately I wasn't selected, but sure seemed vet status did me in early on in questioning.
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 257
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Capt (Join to see)
SGT David T. - You can always just make yourself out to be the "Frank Castle" type veteran. No one wants the Punisher on their jury.
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I'm both a veteran and licensed attorney, I received a jury summons in April and was not struck from the jury panel (I served as a juror). So I don't think veteran status is an automatic reason for attorneys to strike someone, but it probably depends on the facts of the case.
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SSG Marcus Brothers
I would love to be the appellate counsel for this case. I would argue that you surviving voir dire was per se ineffective assistance and borderline malpractice. I hope E and O policies are paid. . .
I mean that not as a personal slide against you. I am just curious what was on the table that led to the "tactical decision" to leave you on.
I mean that not as a personal slide against you. I am just curious what was on the table that led to the "tactical decision" to leave you on.
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SGT Michelle Lathe
SSG Mike Oshaughnessy - Maybe it depends on the state? Texas doesn't exempt attorneys.
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SGT Michelle Lathe
It was a DWI case, and I guess they were more concerned with striking the people who voiced strong opinions against police or people who drive after having a few drinks. I don't practice criminal law, so they probably didn't see me as problematic. SSG Brothers, fortunately for the defense counsel, there won't be any appellate action, we found the defendant not guilty (there just wasn't evidence of intoxication), but I'm willing to bet the prosecutor had second thoughts about not striking me. :)
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Cpl Frances Shelton
My mother is often dismissed. (As many cases in her area are rape cases. I am one of 3 children, all girls. I served and at my EAS went into law enforcement for a short bit.) Having no sons and such a high regard for the police. She seldom makes it through the first round of questions. As for me I haven't received a selection to this date.
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Sir, what actually scares me about the process is that they actively seek jurors that lean one way or another on a case. You will never have a jury have a 12 angry men moment. They will usually not be a serious about the jury instructions they receive form the judge. I would demand a trial by judge if i were accused of a crime, because I just don't trust the jurors they select to be a fair and impartial arbiter.
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TSgt (Join to see)
I think you're right. Of the several juries I have served on, there has always been at least one juror "way out in left field". For instance, one said evidence didn't matter, the plaintiff should "get the money because Wal Mart can afford it".
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SPC James Jones
I remember serving on a jury many years ago. When we first polled the jury, it was 6 to 3 guilty. A bit of discussion followed and on the second poll it was 8 to 2 guilty. Finally, on the third poll, we reached a unanimous decision, guilty. But, the reason the last hold-out gave for changing his mind has always bothered me. He said he changed his vote because it was getting late and he wanted to pick up a pizza on his way home.
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A1C (Join to see)
SPC James Jones - So in order to make someone be proven guilty I need to keep jurors late and offer to buy them pizza when they leave. Easy peasy.
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SP6 Charles Cox
A1C (Join to see) - To tell the truth -- and I won't say it happens all the time -- you have a point. I was once involved in a trial during a summer heat wave. When the case went to the jury it was near "quitin' time" on Friday, and both sides speculated on how fast there'd be a verdict. The argument was between "pretty quick" and "Naw, they're going to wait long enough for the county to buy 'em dinner." To throw his two cents in, the judge had the air conditioning turned off in the building. There are ways, then there are ways to influence a jury.
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I'm an expert in forensics (M.S. and 20+ years), I will never be allowed to serve because I know to much.
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SSG (Join to see)
to and too have nothing to do with Forensics. Unless you're trying to find the etymology of a given word, or something. lol.
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I served on a jury trial for drunk driving. I wanted to go home so when asked I told them I was an MP and involved in many DUI cases and was a breathalyzer operator. They kept me, I was surprised. After the trial I figured the defense kept me because the defendant was a cops adult son, but they tried to cover it up. Just they thought I would be sympathetic, they were wrong.
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I have served on several juries and have been "thanked and dismissed" from several as well. I knew the defense attorney in one of the cases. (loosely, as my wife is an attorney and knew him from bar functions) I asked him why he kicked me off. He said, that I 'talked too much.' He explained that he did not want the jurors listening to other jurors but, primarily to him and his arguments. I think that leaders, military or civilian, often get dismissed. Sometimes a defense attorney or a prosecutor with a weak case, does not have enough challenges to boot you over even less desirables so you make the cut. A prosecutor with a strong case may what you. Jury selection is an art and not a science. Often they go with their gut.
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I have never been called up for jury duty and have wondered why when people around me have. I don't really need to know why either. I feel like asking is kind of like asking the teacher why she didn't assign homework. It may be asking for trouble.
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SFC Larry Jones
I made the comment; I forget where, that I would love to sit on a jury. The next thing I know, I receive a questionnaire from the federal court system in my state (Arkansas). I guess they didn't like all my health problems (I am a 100% completely disabled Army vet), because it's been quite a while since I filled it out. I haven't heard back from them.
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SGT John Allen
I finally got a questionnaire and filled it out. LOL, no call, no letter. I have a feeling it went straight to the shredder. I don't know why. I would be 100% fair based on presented evidence and proven event timelines. Maybe they are looking for someone that can lean a certain way for their case rather than someone they know will be a stickler for the facts.
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen, A lot of it depends on the type of case. There's certainly some "types" you don't want on your jury ever, and there's some "types" you kick off based on the case itself. Not a real answer, but the best I can give after doing this for a few years.
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