OT - SAHMs and jury duty

[momx2]

And what about the single working mothers? The ones who don't get reinbursed for the whopping $12.00 per day you earn at jury duty. How fair is it to excuse one and not the other?

We all have our hardships and problems. Some may be worse then others, but they are still there .

I have brought this up at least twice in my posts and ITA. No one has responded. I think it is because the posters who beleive that being a SAHM gives them the right to avoid their duty are only concerned with their own problems. So, it is probably good that some of these people don't serve. I would hate for them to be on my jury.

 

[beattyfamily]

I have brought this up at least twice in my posts and ITA. No one has responded. I think it is because the posters who beleive that being a SAHM gives them the right to avoid their duty are only concerned with their own problems. So, it is probably good that some of these people don't serve. I would hate for them to be on my jury.

Wow, just wow!

Who'd a thunk this thread could cause such a fuss.

 

[imthatgirl]

Wow, just wow!

Who'd a thunk this thread could cause such a fuss.

its so fun when people true colors come out

 

[Camno's Mama]

I have brought this up at least twice in my posts and ITA. No one has responded. I think it is because the posters who beleive that being a SAHM gives them the right to avoid their duty are only concerned with their own problems. So, it is probably good that some of these people don't serve. I would hate for them to be on my jury.

Actually, I believe that, at some point in this crazy thread, someone mentioned that people do get out of jury duty if they lose wages in some states. But, honestly, we live on one income as well. If my husband were to get jury duty, and lose wages, how is that different than if a single parent loses those wages? I guess I'm a little confused.

Yes, he has me to watch the kids. But my guess is, a lot of single parents have someone who helps out in emergencies as well. I think the point that people are trying to make is that, when someone is depending on you so completely, and you don't have many other options, what are you supposed to do?

Why does this have to always turn into a working v. staying at home thing? It's hard for everyone. Maybe it's the public forum thing...people just respond with hostility. If my friend came to me with any of these problems, I would respond sypathetically. Why any of these viewpoints warrant an attack is completely beyond my understanding.

 

[momx2]

Actually, I believe that, at some point in this crazy thread, someone mentioned that people do get out of jury duty if they lose wages in some states. But, honestly, we live on one income as well. If my husband were to get jury duty, and lose wages, how is that different than if a single parent loses those wages? I guess I'm a little confused.

Yes, he has me to watch the kids. But my guess is, a lot of single parents have someone who helps out in emergencies as well. I think the point that people are trying to make is that, when someone is depending on you so completely, and you don't have many other options, what are you supposed to do?

Why does this have to always turn into a working v. staying at home thing? It's hard for everyone. Maybe it's the public forum thing...people just respond with hostility. If my friend came to me with any of these problems, I would respond sypathetically. Why any of these viewpoints warrant an attack is completely beyond my understanding.

I agree with most of what you have said. I pointed out earlier that it had become a SAHM vs. WOHM mom thread as well. Go back and read who started that, it wasn't me. I have said through out this thread that it is horrible that most people do not get compensation for lost wages. I have pointed out that whether you're a single mom or two working parent home that when one loses their wages, they can't pay daycare. It has been the SAHMs on this thread who can only see their plight and can't seem to understand that everyone called makes sacrifices.

I personally do not believe and most states don't allow for an exception for SAHM. They are not a protected class and should be required to serve as others do. Most states do make provisions for caretakers that are medically necessary, but not just SAHMs. I firmly beleive everyone needs a good back up for their children. I do not use childcare now as my husband works from home now, but guess what, I have had to call in some friends to help me before. My husband has been hositalized 2x this year and I needed help. My friends were there for me.

 

[momx2]

its so fun when people true colors come out

I guess you're right....My true colors are that I believe we all, as citizens, have the obligation to serve on jury duty. Lots of women years ago worked very hard to make that priviledge available. There was a time when women were treated like chattel and had no rights. There was even a time not so long ago we couldn't vote or serve on a jury. I believe that this is a serious obligation and shouldn't be taken for granted. It can also be a wonderful teaching moment for your children in lots of ways. So if you find that offensive, so be it.

 

[imthatgirl]

I guess you're right....My true colors are that I believe we all, as citizens, have the obligation to serve on jury duty. Lots of women years ago worked very hard to make that priviledge available. There was a time when women were treated like chattel and had no rights. There was even a time not so long ago we couldn't vote or serve on a jury. I believe that this is a serious obligation and shouldn't be taken for granted. It can also be a wonderful teaching moment for your children in lots of ways. So if you find that offensive, so be it.

guilty conscience

btw, ive already said i can not serve, so whatev.

 

[mjkacmom]

There was a time were it would've been very difficult, if not impossible, for me to serve. I received a noticed years ago, at a time when I had infant twins, a 2 year old, a 5 year old (in 1/2 day kindy), and a 7 year old. Maybe I could've found someone to watch them for a day or 2, but what if I got on a case? Yes, I've used sitters, but there are not a lot of teens around during the day. Yes, other moms have watched my kids in a pinch, but not many would want my brood for a long period of time, and I wouldn't blame them. Heck, at that time in my life, jury duty sounded like paradise!

 

[powellrj]

I guess you're right....My true colors are that I believe we all, as citizens, have the obligation to serve on jury duty. Lots of women years ago worked very hard to make that priviledge available. There was a time when women were treated like chattel and had no rights. There was even a time not so long ago we couldn't vote or serve on a jury. I believe that this is a serious obligation and shouldn't be taken for granted. It can also be a wonderful teaching moment for your children in lots of ways. So if you find that offensive, so be it.

Wonderful post. While I have always had the right to vote, I am old enough to have a grandmother who didn't. She was born in the 1890s so the right to vote was something women won when she was a young women. I am sure our fore mothers (is that a word?) are turning over in the graves to see the way women are throwing away our rights that they fought so hard for.

Sure its hard for a SAHM to serve on a jury. Its hard for a WOHM to serve. Its hard for a small business owner to serve. Its not easy for most people to serve.

I find it ironic that in our area, you can be dismissed if you are elderly. Most (but not all) elderly people would have the easiest time serving because they don't have small children or job responsibilities, although many will be the primary caregivers of other families members.

Instead of fighting and bickering I would hope that many posters would be compassionate and realize that many other people make great sacrifices to serve on a jury.

 

[wrighter]

Instead of fighting and bickering I would hope that many posters would be compassionate and realize that many other people make great sacrifices to serve on a jury.

Compassion is a two way street.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

its so fun when people true colors come out

Yea isn't it!

 

[DisneyMommyMichelle]

Hi all! I'm a SAHM that has been called to Jury Duty, my husband just takes the day off and we figured if I got called on to actually be on the trial then it would give us time to figure stuff out. We don't have family nearby either and all 3 of our kids are still at home (3,2, 11 months) so there is not school either

It's a small job they are asking us to do and I did it (even if I wasn't thrilled! haha) I didn't get called, no clue why...hmm...

 

[NMAmy]

Wonderful post. While I have always had the right to vote, I am old enough to have a grandmother who didn't. She was born in the 1890s so the right to vote was something women won when she was a young women. I am sure our fore mothers (is that a word?) are turning over in the graves to see the way women are throwing away our rights that they fought so hard for.

Sure its hard for a SAHM to serve on a jury. Its hard for a WOHM to serve. Its hard for a small business owner to serve. Its not easy for most people to serve.

I find it ironic that in our area, you can be dismissed if you are elderly. Most (but not all) elderly people would have the easiest time serving because they don't have small children or job responsibilities, although many will be the primary caregivers of other families members.

Instead of fighting and bickering I would hope that many posters would be compassionate and realize that many other people make great sacrifices to serve on a jury.

This is a great post. I also find it strange that elderly people are excused--my mom is 76 and she would LOVE to be on jury duty. She served on a couple of trials when she was younger and the whole thing just fascinated her. Come to think of it, she was a SAHM at the time.

And hearing about your grandmother reminded me of the movie, Iron Jawed Angels. I would highly recommend it to everyone--it illustrates exactly what the suffragettes suffered so that women could have the same rights as men.

This is our civic duty. It's difficult for everyone to make arrangements to serve but it's important.

 

[KimR]

I've never been called for jury duty, but I do have a question: what typically happens if you get called and just don't show up? Do you get fined, go to jail? I'm curious because my Mother got a notice to appear for jury duty and she ignored it. She didn't get fined and no one came to hunt her down. Is this typical or did she just get lucky? Now, I'm not advocating anyone try this - I was horrified when I found out what she did and I was very surprised there were no repercussions.

 

[Colinsmom]

I got called for jury duty next month. It is a major inconvience to everyone, but it is the why our legal system works. Of course, I have other things to do, but I will go. I will probably not be choosen as I work in the legal system. I do not have children, but I have a very demanding job that will still need attention even though I can't physically be there. I just think that everyone who gets called should serve if they can at all do it.

Good luck. The two attorneys on our federal jury didn't think that they'd be chosen either!! But I applaud you for doing what is right rather than what is more convenient - it is a very interesting system to observe up close!!

 

[cinmell]

I've never been called for jury duty, but I do have a question: what typically happens if you get called and just don't show up? Do you get fined, go to jail? I'm curious because my Mother got a notice to appear for jury duty and she ignored it. She didn't get fined and no one came to hunt her down. Is this typical or did she just get lucky? Now, I'm not advocating anyone try this - I was horrified when I found out what she did and I was very surprised there were no repercussions.

I had jury duty back in May and it turns out I went to grammar school with the court officer. We were in line at lunch time and I commented that I can't believe all the people who surrounded her as soon as she walked into the jury pool room trying to get out of jury duty that day. She said it is like that every day. I asked what happens if you don't show up. She said it may take a while but a warrant will be issued for failure to appear for jury duty.

My friend's sister is a probation officer and she was telling us that an acquaintance of hers was pulled over for speeding on a Friday night. When the officer ran his info, a warrant showed up for not showing up for jury duty and he was arrested. Apparently he spent the weekend in jail b/c you have to wait for your hearing and they don't hold hearings on weekends.

Soooo, I guess it does eventually catch up with you. I just never want to find out for myself what happens!!

 

[mickeyboat]

I really cannot believe the number of people who could not find anyone to watch their kids if they were not available. What would you do in case of an emergency? I think it would be wise to use this as a wake-up call that some sort of back-up care is important. It might not be the ideal situation, but at least it would be available.

I am a WOHM and my FIL watches my kids after school. We have two day time back up sitters. And I can think of at least 5 people I could call in the middle of the night to take care of my kids - even for days at a time. The perfect caregiver has not come knocking on my door - I have made a real effort to develop relationships with people who I feel comfortable leaving my kids with. Do I do that often - no, but I know it's there.

Jury duty is a pain but it is important.

Denae

 

[NotUrsula]

What state are you referring to that has onsite daycare in "almost every courtroom"? As an attorney I have been in almost every courthouse in all five boroughs of NYC, as well as federal courts. I have also been in courthouses in NJ, where I live. Not a single one of them has onsite daycare for jurors or for employees or anyone else.

I'm wondering if the "daycare" that she thinks is there is actually a DFS office. A lot of them have a makeshift playroom for kids who are there for a couple of hours in the process of being processed into the system.

BTW, I was the one who said that major daycare chains sometimes have room for dropins, and I know for a fact that the daycare center my DD attends (a Kindercare branch) takes them when they have vacancies. You have to fill out the registration paperwork (including immunization records, etc.) like anyone else, and your child can stay that day -- and you pay through the nose for the privilege. The daily fee is about 20% higher than the per-day cost for regular families. This isn't a service that they advertise, but they do it on a space-available basis.

 

[Slem liten katt]

I have received three letters, calling to me to join the pool of potential jurors and been excused three times so far in the past two years. In Missouri.

I was nothing less than completely honest in filling out the preliminary questionaires, listing family members who've served as law enforement, my own lack of transportation, and undue hardship my service will cause as I am the primary caregiver to our developmentally disabled minor child.

If I were not excused, I would find a way to do my civic duty, even though we have no family in the area, let alone the same state.

 

[Camno's Mama]

I guess you're right....My true colors are that I believe we all, as citizens, have the obligation to serve on jury duty. Lots of women years ago worked very hard to make that priviledge available. There was a time when women were treated like chattel and had no rights. There was even a time not so long ago we couldn't vote or serve on a jury. I believe that this is a serious obligation and shouldn't be taken for granted. It can also be a wonderful teaching moment for your children in lots of ways. So if you find that offensive, so be it.

I don't think MOST people on this thread dispute that. I certainly feel very strongly about my right to vote and serve in any way. I want to do it, and I will when my time comes. I think most people are just venting. Free speech is also a right we fought hard for. I don't think that the two have to be at odds with each other.

Sensitivity is just a nice touch. I feel for anyone that has a hard time finding care for their children in any unexpected situation. It's stressful for the whole family. I don't think that my life as a stay at home mom and caregiver to other people's children makes me any more special than anyone else. But that also goes both ways. We all live life selfishly. That's just how it is...we have to take care of ourselves before we can take care of others. So, if venting about something in the decision making process makes that possible, so be it. That's all the OP was doing.