I received my first jury duty notification today and I don't know how to handle it. Since I am about 80 miles south of the US border, I am not able to travel back and forth. What do you suggest?

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2002

Answers

Philip,

Under your circumstances, I'm sure they would probably grant you a hardship excuse from serving - just write or call them at the address or phone# that should be supplied on the summons. They typically summon MANY more people than they actually need, so your excusal shouldn't be a big deal to them.

Now you have to ask yourself, "do I really WANT to be excused from this duty?" Personally, I feel jury duty is a service I owe this country as a citizen..........it's the least I can do to honor those who gave their lives to perserve our system. But, for me, such service is only a minor inconvienence, while in your situation it is a major issue.

I pray it works out for you.

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2002

Phil,

I agree. You should be able to let them know that you are out of the country on those dates and that should be excused. It's funny how the system works. My wife's been summonsed three times now- once while on IVs during her pregnancy, once after gall bladder surgery a month after Hannah's birth, and she was finally able to serve a couple weeks ago. I have yet to be summonsed.

BTW, they will reply to you so that you will know you're off the hook, so to speak.

God bless, Scott

-- Anonymous, June 24, 2002