Legal Question in Civil Litigation in California
I received a summons for jury duty. Here's what I did with it:
(1) choose NOT to fill out the section asking "Are you a citizen of the US?", "Are you 18 or older?", "Have you been convicted of a felony?", etc.,
(2) choose NOT to fill out the section asking for Phone Numbers, Emergency Contact, Occupation, Employer, etc.,
(3) checked "Request to be excused"
(4) attached a letter for section D ("Explain reasons for excuse") in which I further state that, if called to Jury Duty, I will NOT take any oaths nor answer questions during Voir Dire
(5) signed & dated it
(6) sent it in
I have yet to hear back from the office of the jury commissioner.
Question: If I (grudgingly have to) show up for jury duty and I choose to continue this tactic of non-cooperation, what, if anything can the judges/courts do to/with me?
PS -- In section D ("Explain reasons for excuse") I do go into detail about the political reasons for my civil dis-obedience . . . . I'm just not elucidating them here so as to avoid wasting your time (and not biasing you) with extraneous details . . . . but those reasons (for my civil dis-obedience) are available on request . . . . suffice to say that my reasons are genuine (not just an attempt to get out of jury duty).
4 Answers from Attorneys
You may be held in contempt of court and may be fined $1500.00.
Why would you be so non cooperative in the jury process? Our system works because of juries. Political reasons not to appear for jury duty? Really? Mr Tasjian provides what might happen? For every right there are accompanying responsibilities.
Just remember Freedom is not Free. Jury duty is one way we help pay for that freedom.
There are very few responsibilities that come with U.S. citizenship. Performing jury duty is one of them. It's not optional.
I believe the $1,500 fine Mr. Tashjian mentions is just for refusing to properly fill out the form. Committing further contempt in the courtroom can probably get you jailed. So if you're serious about doing this, be sure to bring a toothbrush and some reading material when you go to court. You likely won't be going home for a while.
Ever hear of contempt of court? It is punishable by fines, and possibly by jailing until you comply. Next time comply with the law and your civic duties without arrogance and ignorance of the law.
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