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Jury duty

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shibboleth:
Well, it's finally happened. I have been summoned for jury duty. I know many people who have been summoned, but this is my first time. I was wondering what you guys and gals think about believers serving on jury and passing sentence on an individual for a crime committed. Is there any scriptual support for being on a jury or is this one of those conscience issues?
I don't have to go for another month, but thought I would get your input before I go.

Sorin:

--- Quote from: shibboleth ---Well, it's finally happened. I have been summoned for jury duty. I know many people who have been summoned, but this is my first time. I was wondering what you guys and gals think about believers serving on jury and passing sentence on an individual for a crime committed. Is there any scriptual support for being on a jury or is this one of those conscience issues?
I don't have to go for another month, but thought I would get your input before I go.
--- End quote ---




Oh that sucks Debra. I really don't know what to say about that in terms of whether or not it's a sin to be on jury duty and judge people. I hope I never get summoned, but if I do, I'll say "not guilty" no matter how much proof there is that the person is guilty just because I'd be so mad for getting summoned there. and basically it's what they would get for summoning me. :lol:

jennie:
I actually had fun at jury duty! I got to meet so many interesting people. I got my wallet stolen but it turned out all right. I got stopped at the metal detector because I had a pocket knife in my purse. My Daddy gave it to me. The boys around here carry theirs in their pockets , the girls in their purses. Down here, people still have gun racks in their trucks! I didn't get picked because they asked me what my beliefs on Christianity were and I told them. They said that wouldn't make me a good jury person! Looks to me like it would make you more honest. I don't know!

eutychus:
go and be a light in the darkness.

Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.


while you are sitting there waiting to be called the person next to you may need a word of encouragment, or just a smile and a pleasant conversation.

and if you get picked, that will be of God too.

go in love and wisdom of Christ.

Harryfeat:
Hello,

Jury duty does not seem to conflict with religious beliefs.  You are not judging anyone for committing a sin.  You are determining whether you believe that someone broke the civil rules and laws, based on the evidence and testimony given.  

I agree that it is not likely that you will actually be called to a jury.  If so the lawyers will probably dismiss you for their own reasons.


I agree that the justice system sucks but it would be a lot worse without us.  Just picture yourself in the defense chair for some involuntary "crime" that you allegedly committed.  Wouldn't  you like someone like yourself on the jury?

The jury is not allowed to ask questions during the trial and there were so many things that I didn't understand. What with side bars and all.  I finally raised my hand in the middle and said that I didn't underatand the significance of what had just been said.  The judge was furious with me for raising my hand but decided to answer my question.  It turns out that the defense counsel was telling us that the defendent  was pleading guilty to six of the seven charges.  

To my surprise, I was selected for a jury in a drug case.  Even more scary, the other jurors unanimously elected me the forman over my protestations. I was shocked because I thought I was  the youngest person there.   I finally agreed just to get on with it.  When I look back on it I have to laugh 'cause the only qualification I seemed to have was that I was the only one wearing a business suit. :roll:  :lol:

It was interesting back in the jury room deciding the innocence or guilt for the seventh item.  There were two people like Sorin who adamantly said not guilty based on principle.  There were four people who voted guilty just based [I later found out through a lot of questioning]  on the fact that the man was black and they didn't really care what the evidence was.  The rest of us looked at the evidence and testimony.  We had several questions to be clarified and the judge provided us with answers that weren't always understandable and sometimes caused more questions.

I was able to expose the prejudices for what they were and finally get everyone to agree.  I have to say that I learned a lot about people, their motives and that support and opposition  can come from the most likely person.  It was a real eye opener for me and caused me to stop judging a book by its cover and try harder to understand the meaning behind the words spoken.  Not everyone can articulate clearly what they mean.


I think that you will just be giving to Ceasar what is required of Ceasar and the justice system will be the better for you being a part of it.

feat

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