Top Ten Jury Duty excuses

I have to say that some people use some pretty unimaginative excuses for getting out of jury duty. Things like, “I can’t speak English.” And “It would create a financial hardship.” And “I’m a police officer.” Come on, people. It’s not like you’re ever going to see the judge again. (At least we can hope not, because hey, wouldn’t that be ironic?) So here’s a list of reasons with a bit more imagination.

1) I have a very important World or Warcraft quest to finish and my guild is depending on me.

2) I committed a felony, I just wasn’t caught.

3) I’m psychic and so I already know the outcome of the trial.

4) Pick me! Pick me!

5) Yes, I know the defendant, and the prosecutor, and the bailiff. I know ALL of you!

6) My entourage needs me.

7) Can you repeat that, Judge? I’m twittering the whole thing.

8) Can I be impartial? As long as impartial means any fool can see the man is guilty.

9) I’m a writer. By nature we’re shiftless, unreliable, and we make stuff up for a living.

10) This man is clearly a baby eater! And i will see that he is punished for his crimes.

14 comments

  1. Melanie Jacobson
    February 23, 2011 at 2:04 pm

    How about, “I’ll only serve if there’s a chance to reinstate the electric chair when we find him guilty. Wait, what do you mean there’s no death penalty for misdemeanor theft?”

  2. Valerie Ipson
    February 23, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Funny! I got picked for a jury first time ever last fall and it was fascinating.

  3. Sarah M Eden
    February 23, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Or how about, “I’d like to say for the record that I didn’t realize last time that an indecisive jury doesn’t have to be literally *hung.* I probably won’t make that mistake again.”

  4. Robin Weeks
    February 23, 2011 at 5:33 pm

    Actually, being a police officer doesn’t automatically get you kicked off. You can survive the “for cause” challenge by firmly asserting your ability to keep an open mind and fairly evaluate the investigative techniques and reasoning abilities of your collegues. That will keep you there until the defense attorney’s first peremptory challenge, anyway. 🙂

    What does work is to claim that you absolutely MUST hear both sides before you can decide the case.

  5. Chantele Sedgwick
    February 23, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    So funny! Ha ha! 🙂 Thanks for the laugh!

  6. Midnight Bloom
    February 23, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    *bursts out laughing* These are some pretty awesome excuses!! ^_^

  7. Julie Wright
    February 24, 2011 at 9:14 am

    LOL! these are the reasons i love you

  8. Janette Rallison
    February 24, 2011 at 10:09 pm

    I’m embarassed to admit that I really was thinking about this blog during all of the tedious questioning. What else are you going to do when you’re stuck in a room for five flippin hours listening to personal details about strangers’ lives?

  9. Misty
    February 24, 2011 at 10:33 pm

    I just got a letter for jury duty. One of the questions they asked was if I had ever been involved in a third party liability case. I use to work for a law office & put down too many to count. Hope that gets me out. Makes you wonder about the folks who get on the jury, who aren’t sharp enough to get out of it. They are the ones decided the fate of others. Scary!

  10. Botterfly Girl
    February 25, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    Alright this is random, but last night I dreamed I was a character in one of your books and their was a funny looking bulldog that was trying to crawl up on my bed….

  11. Janette Rallison
    February 25, 2011 at 1:33 pm

    This clearly means that you need to buy more of my books. Your subconcious demands it like a bulldog.

  12. Maggie
    February 25, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    How about “I’m a writer. And if we don’t convict this guy, my plot is going to be totally blown.”

  13. James
    February 25, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    You guys have come up with some first rate excuses!

  14. Susan
    February 26, 2011 at 1:12 pm

    #9 is the best! LOL. I just used “I’m a stay-at-home mom with 4 children who’ve been left emotionally fragile by my recent diagnosis and treatment for thyroid cancer.” So boring. Clearly, I should have come to you for something more creative 🙂

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