The legal system in so many countries has changed over the centuries. Some laws have been nullified and new ones have come up and will continue to be changed as the laws governing everyone has to move with time. The world is evolving every day. However, some of these legal systems remain and are used in modern times with a few augmentations in the arrangements and systems. The jury was formed for the legal system to get unbiased views and opinions, investigate crimes, and judge the accused. The jury was a group of men who were reputed to be of good character. Today, in modern times it is still practiced and it is a body of independent and unbiased individuals who swear to give an impartial verdict in the court of law. The citizens of America can be summoned to serve on a jury. This is Jury Duty. Now the question is What Happens If You Do Not Go to Do Jury Duty in Texas?
What Happens If You Do Not Go to Do Jury Duty in Texas?
Justice is very important to every citizen of the country. It is also important to the residents of Texas. Regardless of sex, race, background, nationality, or economic status individuals deserve justice. The Jurors are those who serve in the law court and play a crucial role in the justice system. To get the justice that everyone in society wants, the members of the jury have to be fair and impartial when performing this civic duty. In Texas, if a juror fails to answer the summons of the court they would be fined between $100 and $1,000. Also, an individual who fails to attend the law court without a reasonable excuse or files a false exemption complaint would be fined between $10 and $100.
The Types of Jury Systems
There are different types of jury systems and the one individuals would be called to might be different from the ones that they are used to.
There is the Trial jury which is a type of jury set up with the sole aim of determining the guilt of a defendant. It is also called a petit jury and usually consists of six to twelve jurors.
Then there is the Grand Jury which is another type of jury set up with the sole aim of determining if the evidence given at the law court is enough to issue criminal charges on the defendant. A Grand Jury consists of up to 23 jurors. The trial unlike a petit jury is held in secret to encourage the participation of witnesses and is given certain liberties.
Valid Reasons That Can Excuse an Individual from Jury Duty
Every citizen of the United States is mandated to answer the call when called to serve as a juror. However, there a myriad of reasons to be considered:
- Military Duties: individuals who have military duties to their country can be exempted from this service. The individual would have to drop a letter from a superior stating the individual’s call to duty.
- Education Excuse: A person who is currently admitted as a student and has full course work can be excused from jury duty. Individuals who have this claim would be required to present a letter of admission into the s.
- Medical Reasons: individuals who are not sound of mind and body can be excused from the summon for jury service. A medical report would have to be submitted for it to be approved.
Conclusion
The Jury system is how the citizens of a country participate in the enforcement of laws. They help reduce biased views in any case at the court of law. This makes it a vital part of America’s democratic system and serves as a form of check and balance in the judicial system. When summoned to be a part of a jury, Texas law does not support an exemption for reasons such as business or economic reasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Are The Criteria For Being Chosen To Be A Juror In Texas?
- Must Be 18 and above.
- The individual has to be a citizen of the United States of America.
- Must be able to read and write to join the jury.
- Must reside in the state of Jury Service.
- Must be of sound mind, good reputation, and character.
- What Countries Have Jury Systems?
- The United Kingdom.
- The United States of America.
- Canada.
- Ireland.
- Australia.
- What Are the Cons of Jury Duty?
- It can take time for the members of the jury to come to a unanimous decision.
- Being part of a jury can affect the finances of an individual or their family. When called to be a juror, people would have to leave their jobs for a while without pay. The compensation per day is sometimes not received till late.
- Sometimes, the decisions made by the jurors are inaccurate.
