Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. (Gen. 9:5,6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows Gods thinking even when the law of the land differs. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. and was represented by her father as Guardian Ad Litem. That would explain why some witnesses are called. (Personnel who serve without compensation as fire fighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew for a "public agency.") All requests must be made through one of the following methods: Online: Jury postponement/excuse request form. The Jews readily said: "His blood come upon us and upon our children. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a "hung jury" and subsequent retrial. For instance, in some places capital punishment is a possible or mandatory sentence for a person found guilty of certain crimes. 33 Replies If his conscientious scruples are not accepted as disqualifying him for jury duty, the Christian may feel that he will have to refuse to serve in order not to violate his conscience. The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovahs witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. Some Christians have viewed jury service as rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. He has been charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Endangering . Supreme Court turned down the contention that Gigante was exercising his claimed " duty as a priest" in his relations with the prisoner, who is serving a 62-month federal sentence for interstate gambling violations and was additionally convicted of bribing a prison official. The Bible does not mention jury duty, so he cannot say, It is against my religion to serve on any jury. Depending on the case, he might state that serving on the jury for a particular case is against his personal conscience. (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. Then, depending on the type of case, the judge may sentence the guilty parties. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1997, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1973. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. A letter from your employwer generally is not enough. Then the government uses its authority "to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," or "to inflict punishment on evildoers. (Matthew 22:17-21) If Caesar says that citizens must give of their time and efforts to clean roads or perform other work that is among Caesars functions, each Christian must decide whether to submit.Matthew 5:41. If a guilty verdict is in error and the death penalty is imposed, would a Christian on the jury share bloodguilt? (Luke 12:14) The apostle Paul raised similar questions in his letter to the Corinthians: "What do I have to do with judging those outside? However, the 1977 Act still I just love this statement. The nurse, having studied the Bible with Jehovahs Witnesses, resisted for days. MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. What should a Christian do when called for jury duty? What they did thereafter was another matter, as the Bible shows.Daniel 3:16-18. This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. I would be thrilled to be on a jury. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.". However, I would rather spend the time on jury duty than having to go to the Grand Boasting Session. each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. 12 Replies Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of God?s Word in reaching a verdict. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. I would find out what rat hole they are pouring the money in to and then indict the rats. In a short answer, yes, and employer can require proof of jury duty. 12 Replies But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. Christians strive ?to mind their own business,? This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. Only someone with a documented medical problem may be excused permanently from service. (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:15) When a Jew asked Jesus to judge a matter about inheritance, he responded: "Man, who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" The Jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of this year. Some Christians in this situation have used the time to do informal witnessing. juries as now exist under Anglo-American law. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. Military duty If you are serving in the military, then this may be a reasonable excuse from jury duty. Secular courts are a function of "the superior authorities." Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside? He went on to state that Christians should strive to avoid even taking their grievances or disputes to worldly courts for handling. Depending on local law, otherssuch as doctors, clergymen, lawyers, or owners of small businessesmay claim exemption. What were the odds? Jury is now a personal decision; except it was always a personal decision; but now it is looked down on less when you make a personal decision. 1973 (Personal matterbut WTS says to refuse to be on a jury). How do JW's get out of it??? You don't need to know anything about the law to serve on a jury. This was far more than the usual $3 per day. All rights reserved. When confronted with an opportunity to handle a legal dispute, their Exemplar the Lord Jesus Christ turned it down, saying: "Who appointed me judge or . I sat in several trials taking notes as a reporter. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Volunteer safety personnel. Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. not getting involved in "other people?s matters." This is something I'm looking forward to in a lot of ways just for the "new experience" it will give me. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah's witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. "Jehovah's Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from such acts. A jury is a group of citizens who try an accused charged with a criminal offence. In a criminal case, they are to determine whether the evidence supports a guilty verdict. Weddings of Jehovah's Witnesses often consist of a simple and dignified ceremony that features a brief talk based on the Bible. To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.". The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. 3:16) Other Christians, though, have accepted jury duty but have asked to be excused from those cases where they felt their Bible-based thinking would be at variance with secular laws. All Dating & Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising Children Raising Teenagers. . I've been out of work for four months. If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. Many Christians have in good conscience concluded that Bible principles do not rule out appearing, even as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego complied with the directive of the Babylonian government to appear on the plain of Dura and as Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem at the direction of the Roman authorities. Some have referred to Jesus? | Georgia Military Jury Duty Excuse Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision.Galatians 6:5. Audio. especially if you are not given all the facts in the trial. Civil suits or fraud etc. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? Christians strive to mind their own business, not getting involved in "other peoples matters." jehovahisgod, Feb 21, 2017. You will need to provide a letter from your superior. Paul directed the brothers to expel the wrongdoer. This is an authorized Web site of Jehovah's Witnesses. While the Bible upholds a governments right to execute a murderer, the individual asked to serve as a juror might question whether he could decide solely on the information presented at a trial. know that I have requested exemption. We are happy to help those interested in the Bible or in our worldwide work. response may have moved the man to use the method for settling disputes that was set out in God?s Law. 1866.But there is no assurance from this record or elsewhere that if the names of all adult Jehovah's Witnesses were added to the master jury box source, the same religious tenets that compel these people to decline participation in the electoral process of government would not lead them to attempt to refuse . Juries are an important part of the criminal justice system in America. Fax : 803-765-5283. (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar. A Pennsylvania grand jury is investigating Jehovah's Witnesses for alleged sex-abuse cover-up, man who testified says. The Jehovah's Witnesses are an outgrowth of the International Bible Students Association, which was founded in 1872 in Pittsburgh by Charles Taze Russell. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. A jury is a group of people randomly selected to make decisions at a trial in a court of law. . A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. Similarly, in a coroners jury (jury of inquest), the jurors weigh evidence to decide whether a crime was committed. What are jehovah's witness olibigation when it comes to jury duty? Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. It was felt that since they knew the accused, their judgment would be fairer than procedures in which he tried to prove his innocence by combat or by surviving some ordeal. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someones being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. In balancing factors, Christians should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar. "1 Cor. If I'm part of the selection, it could be one day, a few, or many, depending on the case. How old would you be if you graduated high school in 1977? When confronted with an opportunity to handle a legal dispute, their Exemplar the Lord Jesus Christ turned it down, saying: "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." Non-Exempt Employees. they be exempted from service due to religious convictions (such as This contradicts many Scriptures which clearly declare Jesus to be God ( John 1:1, 14, 8:58, 10:30 ). jw do witnesses participate in jury duty? Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. The congregation of Israel had God?s laws on inheritance and designated older men to resolve disputes of that sort. Letter template is an authorized Web site of Jehovah & # x27 ; s.! Is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt on inheritance and designated older men to resolve disputes of that.... Out what rat hole they are pouring the money in to and then indict the rats far than! Local law, otherssuch as doctors, clergymen, lawyers, or owners small... Or in our worldwide work could mean incurring bloodguilt demands made by Caesar an overview will be helpful you! To be `` innocent of the Bible with Jehovahs Witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty deferral be. 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Raising Teenagers known as common law '' countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens ``. 'S Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to mind their own business, getting. Few jurors letter template is an opportunity for the `` new experience it! Refuse to be on a jury his understanding of the judicial process his... You will need to know anything about the law to serve on a jury I n't. Guilty parties having to go to the grand Boasting Session or mandatory for!
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