The Onerous Duty

Rosie writes to ask: I am due to start jury service on monday. I am self employed and now a really important job has come up on tuesday. Is there anyway to get out of the jury duty?

If the jury is not already chosen - if you are just being asked to appear - at some point they will ask if anyone has any compelling reason they cannot serve. That will be your opportunity to explain that you very much need to be able to work during that time. I would bring whatever proofs you may have, such as your tax return, that you are self-employed, and such as a contract to show the job and the dates it must be done.

If you are on a jury that has already been chosen, I believe the only thing you can do is ask the court officers to inform the judge of your conflict and it is up to the judge to release you or not.

Be aware they will all have a rather cynical view as almost everyone tries to get out of jury duty by saying they cannot take the time off work.

Best of luck!

Summer