Jury selection would offer grand opportunity
Call me Juror Candidate 0006361xxx.
This number represents personal identification for a potential grand jury seat in Mercer County Superior Court proceedings.
Invitation correspondence opened with typical salutations then a demand — You are summoned to grand jury service.
The urgent call to service engaged mental responses such as Oh (crap). Oy vey. OMG and mirrored a recent outburst by Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora “Are you f***ing kidding?
Told my girlfriend about being summoned and she acted like a doctor should write me a prescription for antibiotics.
Never been selected as a seated juror despite a handful of summonses to appear and move through the judicial process. Many citizens make similar observations although if never chosen, one wonders about the loathing for being called to serve.
In fact, potential jurors are a lot like politicians who plot reelection strategies immediately after winning an election. Jurors, once summoned, look for ways to dodge their civic responsibility.
A note from a physician explaining a physical or mental malady usually excuses people from jury duty. If that’s a true assessment then head down that roadway. If not? Rethink your modus operandi.
Many persons called simply delay service and hope that they get passed over during the next jury selection cycle. Full time students and limited English proficient citizens enjoy dismissals generally.
Despite not enjoying the thought of being seated for a trial, better to make an appearance. Jurors who fail to respond or appear for jury duty without a reasonable excuse, may be punished for contempt of court pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2B: 20-14b and subject to a fine of up to $500.00 or imprisonment.
Of course, COVID-19 has altered jury processes. This grand jury will be selected online by video in late October.
The Judiciary provides technology needed for participation as grand jury sweepstakes winners face a Term of Service estimated at 16-20 weeks.
(Oh (crap). Oy vey. OMG. Are you f***ing kidding).
Officials encourage jurors to respond online. As one might expect, scammers troll the internet hoping to collect personal information about jurors.
“The New Jersey Judiciary does not and has never asked for personal identifiers over the phone, by email or in person,” notes Glenn A. Grant J.A.D., acting administrative director of the courts.
Grant, posting on a New Jersey government website (njcourts.gov) wrote that any such contacts are scams that should be immediately reported to the Judiciary’s jury manager in the resident’s county. Judge Grant stated that all initial notifications to potential jurors are conducted through the U.S. Postal Service.
Grant added that although the Judiciary now permits jurors to complete their juror qualification questionnaire online - for greater juror convenience - and to contact Jury Management Offices by email, that the first juror service contact will be a mailed document.
And while the delivered letter caused temporary consternation, serving on a grand jury represents a privilege equal to voting rights.
Intend to serve honorably if selected.