• Modern_medicine_isnt@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    14
    ·
    1 day ago

    Having been to jury duty last year. They really hit you with a ton of propaganda. They basically try to brainwash all potential jurors before even getting to actual jury selection. People need to know thier rights. They do not in fact have to vote guilty based on the instructions of the judge. They are supposed to make up thier own minds. It’s intended to be a check and balance on the judicial system.

    • CharlesDarwin@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      3
      ·
      18 hours ago

      They basically try to brainwash all potential jurors before even getting to actual jury selection. People need to know thier rights. They do not in fact have to vote guilty based on the instructions of the judge. They are supposed to make up thier own minds. It’s intended to be a check and balance on the judicial system.

      I’ll say! I came this close to being on a jury, they need 12 plus some number of alts (3?) and I think I was down to < 20 at that point. Anyway, when questioned on the “following instructions” bit I think I waffled just enough on that to get bounced.

      But yeah, fuck that: we need more jury nullification on things like this. Don’t bow to “the law” if you think it’s bullshit.

      • Modern_medicine_isnt@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        3
        ·
        1 hour ago

        I waffle on being honest when answering such questions, knowing it will target me for removal, and saying what they want to hear so I can get on the jury and do the job correctly. It’s a tough call, in large part because I have IBS, and could need to run to the bathroom at anytime. And being required to not do that makes it more likely to occur (anxiety is a trigger among other things).
        The jury I did get selected for was sort of the opposite. The prosecution didn’t “prove” thier case, but it was still obvious the guy was guilty. They only needed 10 of 12 to convict at that time. He would have been free if they needed 12 because one guy clearly said he would never vote to convict because the prison system itself was unjust. I kinda agree with him too though.

    • technocrit@lemmy.dbzer0.com
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      23 hours ago

      I got out of jury conscription by phrasing my refusal in terms of religion. They let my whole group go, I think because of my sermon.

      It’s pretty wild that you can get out of jury duty for religion but not for secular reasoned principles. I would prefer not to talk about religion but I was desperate to escape.