Jury Duty scofflaws make their case at "Order to Show Cause" hearings in Downtown Phoenix
Members of the media on Friday were invited to listen to individuals who had skipped their jury duty, commonly referred to as "scofflaws." The purpose of this event was to bring attention to the repercussions of neglecting this crucial civic responsibility.
The "Order to Show Cause" hearings, which took place in the South Court Tower in downtown Phoenix, were part of a series designed to emphasize the significance of responding correctly to a jury service summons.
Of the 33 people invited, 31 attended and were split between two different courtrooms, tasked with providing insight into their circumstances as to why they were unable to fulfill their summons.
"What we want to make clear is that we will at times locate the people that have failed to report, and we will invite them to come tell us why they failed to report," Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Kreamer told reporters. "If they don't have a valid reason, they could get a fine."
Those who do receive a fine could be penalized up to $500. Friday's hearings, however, did not see anyone register a fine above $200.
"The process was great, the judge was very articulate. He made it very clear why we were there and why we had a reason to be there," Alan Minner, who evaded a fine and rescheduled his service, told reporters.
Minner's explanation for missing his scheduled jury summons earlier in the year was related to a series of personal tragedies. He lost his mother on February 14, his younger brother on February 28, and his best man from his wedding on May 7. In addition to these losses, he was also dealing with legal disputes involving his ex-wife.
"My circumstances for the first six months of this year were not the best and he (Judge Kreamer) recognized that, and I'm willing to do my civil duty," Minner said. "Everybody needs to do their civic duty, and if you get a summons, do it."
In total, Judge Kreamer handed out $550 worth of fines to four of the 13 citizens who appeared before him on Friday. Kreamer emphasized to reporters the importance of expressing empathy and compassion for people's everyday situations who fail to appear, even releasing four people from their jury service and excusing one person due to a medical hardship.
Ultimately, Kreamer noted the long-standing importance of reporting for jury duty.
"Whether you're a criminal defendant or civil litigant, you have the right to have people like you decide your case, not people like me, not judges," Kreamer told the court before the hearing. "What you do is the critical piece of our justice system, whether that be criminal law or civil law."
Additionally, to help curb some of the hardships financially in the past year, the Arizona Supreme Court came together to increase juror compensation from the measly $12 a day up to $300.
"If you can show that you would have made a certain amount at work, and you're losing that from being here for jury service, then you can get that amount," Kreamer said. "Even if you're unemployed or retired, you can get $40 a day, so it's not the type of financial burden it used to be."
Lastly, those unable to appear for jury service or need to postpone should immediately contact the Superior Court.
Is jury duty mandatory in Arizona?
Per the law (A.R.S. 21-334) failure to attend jury duty may subject the person to certain penalties. Residents of Phoenix are obligated by state law to serve as a juror, according to the City of Phoenix Municipal Court website.
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What disqualifies you from jury duty in Arizona?
Not a U.S. citizen
Under 18 years of age
Have been convicted of a felony and have not had civil rights restored
What are the grounds for excuses in jury duty?
According to the Arizona Judicial Branch website, requests to be excused will not be granted on the basis of religious beliefs, moral beliefs, status as a business proprietor, professional status as a doctor or lawyer, etc.
Excuses can be granted, however, on the basis that you do not understand English or because the jury service would cause a person to receive costs that would have a substantial negative effect on their daily living expenses or those they regularly care for.
Requests can be made in writing to the court that issued the summons and directed to the Jury Commissioner's Office with supporting documentation.
What happens if you forget/don't go to jury duty in Arizona?
Those that miss or forget about their summons may receive a fine and will likely be rescheduled to appear at a later date.
In the instance that you do forget or can not appear, immediately contact the issuing courts using their provided phone number or email.
How do you get picked for jury duty in Arizona?
In Phoenix, the Superior Court Jury Commissioner develops a list of possible jurors, which is composed from the County Voter Registration List and Department of Transportation records. The entries are then randomly selected from those with a Phoenix residence.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Jury duty scofflaws make their case for missing their civic duty
