I’m Ready To Go Judge Judy On Your Arse
May 8, 2008 | Filed under Asian-ness, Politics
Why is it that those who don’t wish to do jury duty, are inevitably the ones who are randomly selected for it, while those who’d actually like to participate are overlooked?
My parents have both been randomly selected twice for jury duty – all four times, they’ve given the “SORRY WE IS AZN IMMIGRANTS, NO SPEAKKY ENGLISS” excuse to dodge jury duty. Which, fair enough, because their English truly is shithouse, and the misunderstandings may result in a child abuser walking free on the streets.
I do sometimes use that excuse myself (e.g. caught without a ticket on public transport, I will put a blank look on my face, try to make myself look like a tourist, and say “no speakky engliss” in order to escape a fine…), yet would never dream of trying to dodge jury duty. Largely because I think it’ll be an interesting experience, but also because it’s a government-sponsored day(s) off work or university.
And honestly, who could say no to a day or two off work?
17 Responses to I’m Ready To Go Judge Judy On Your Arse
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Heh, “no speakky engliss”. I have got to try that sometime — I’ve been mistaken for foreign so many times that it’s bound to work. Once, it was Romanian. Another time, South African. The hairdresser thought I was British. The Azn shopkeepers down the street thought I was German.
…
Oh God, I hope people don’t think I’m a Nazi. The bleach-blonde hair and German army jacket can’t be helping.
Jordie on May 8, 2008 #
Haha! I got summoned for Jury Duty.. didn’t get picked though, but interesting and good experience overall~
Everything seems to be like that… when you don’t want something, you get it but when do do want something… you just don’t get it.. and that was confusing to write lol.
Maggie on May 9, 2008 #
You know, I’ve always wanted to do Jury Duty and damned if my name has never come up. I wish I could just sign up. I could become a professional jury person! If only the system worked that way…
Erin on May 9, 2008 #
I wouldn’t mind a paid day off. All you have to do is sit there and pay attention to a case. No real effort involved. I’ve always wanted to be part of a jury for a really big case though. How exciting :D
Sarai on May 9, 2008 #
Argh I’ve always wanted to do jury duty but never got to. And as soon as I’m a lawyer I won’t be able to. :(
Belinda on May 9, 2008 #
I don’t think I’ve ever known anyone to get summoned for jury duty except the my old school’s technical support guy way back in grade 7 or something. (Of all people… LOL)
I certainly wouldn’t mind it!
Chanel on May 9, 2008 #
We don’t have a jury, there are just one or more judges (depending on the cases), with one presiding over the rest. If I recall correctly there can be up to 9.
I’d love to take part in such an experience, even if it’s not sponsored. But I think our system is better. Judges are less easily impressed than common people.
Vera on May 9, 2008 #
hahah, my parents do the same thing. I wouldn’t mind jury duty, but I’d actually prefer if it wasn’t during school because missing a day will probably put me behind a week in lectures, haha.
marilyn on May 9, 2008 #
lol, Amanda. Your using the no speak English trick to escape perpetuates negative stereotypes :P
But I don’t know anyone who’s been selected for jury duty.
Reply: Shush you. :P I only use it in the most dire situations!
Chantelle on May 9, 2008 #
They don’t let students do jury duty here because they think it’s oh-so-important that we don’t miss classes because we are to become tomorrow’s leaders. Blah blah blah.
I have no idea why people hate jury duty so much.
Nellie on May 9, 2008 #
I hope to God I NEVER get picked for jury duty… hours upon hours of deliberation and nit-picking case bits has to be a pain in the ass. Sure, you get a day or two off work — but I bet it’s a one of those things which leave a bloody taste in your mouth. Not interested.
… but if I wouldn’t dodge it, either. If it happens, it happens.
Robmarie on May 9, 2008 #
Oh yeah, used that excuse for my mum once. They didn’t call her again. But I agree with your theory about picking the wrong people, I got the letter just when I was going to start a new job. GRRRR. I had waited so long to get called!!! So the new boss wrote me a letter to be excused, even though I really wanted to go, bad timing sucks!
kat on May 9, 2008 #
Do you get paid for jury duty? That would have been my only reason in not participating because I couldn’t afford to not go to work…but if you do get paid then I have no objections. I reckon it would be really interesting.
Reply: The state pays you $34 a day, and your workplace has to make up the amount that you would have received, had you been at work as usual. E.g. If you earn $150 a day, the courts pay you $34, and your workplace has to chip in $116, even though you didn’t go to work. :)
Bobbi-lee on May 9, 2008 #
Amanda! That’s so naughty! I wish I could to that too but I live in the Philippines and unless I look Korean, I won’t get away with it. Maybe when I go to London or something Western. :D
Enzo on May 9, 2008 #
I’ve always wanted to do jury duty but at the same time, I’m scared that I’ll be given a case that I won’t be able to make up my mind about!
Haha and I think I’ve only used the “No speak English” excuse once in my life. :P
Felisa on May 9, 2008 #
We don’t have jury duty here but it would be interesting to take part in one. Although it’s probably not so easy as it looks as you have to make a decision about what happens to someone… and let’s face it, not everyone in court is guilty, the system does screw up, a lot!
Chans on May 9, 2008 #
The last big case we had around here went on for about a year (the infamous Robert Pickton murder trial) and the poor jury was barely on minimum wage, was on leave from their job for the entire time, and spent their days listening to chopping of body parts.
I wouldn’t mind a short DUI or assault trial, but yikes, no prolonged legal experiences for me until I become a lawyer haha (oh the irony)
Crystal on May 10, 2008 #