They want me to serve but I don't have child care. Does anyone else go through this? I am just curious what to expect when I go down there to explain.

By Ilovetom on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 10:26 am:

They will call the roll and then they will ask if anyone has a reason not to serve and you go up before the judge and give your reason.

BUT! When I breastfed I was called and I just called and told them ahead of time and they scratched me. Also, my college age son was called and I called and they scratched him too. So- you might want to call ahead.

By Christylee on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 10:38 am:

We have the option if you have no childcare or take care of ailing parents/people to not serve... They say it in the summons in fact so all you hvae to do is send back with your explanation or call.

By Jodes on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 10:58 am:

When I got my jury duty letter, it said I had no option out of it unless I had done jury duty within 2 years of getting the letter, or if I was over a certain age, can't remember what the age was, and that was it. If I were you, I would call and ask, I ended up getting picked to be on the jury and the trial lasted 3 days, from 9am until 6pm. I had to make arrangements for my kids to be picked up from school and watched until I or my husband got home. It actually turned out to be a really interesting experience and I am glad that I had the chance to do it!

By Boxzgrl on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 11:14 am:

Why not look for a sitter?

By Crystal915 on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 11:14 am:

When I received a letter for jury duty, there was a place to sign an return if you were excusable for any of the reasons listed. One of them was a child in your care without a proper alternative caregiver. Call, and see what they tell you.

By Jann on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 11:26 am:

Same as Crystal here. I have been exempt each time I have been called. Now that my kids are older, I won't be exempt when I get called again.

By Annie2 on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 11:29 am:

I believe if you are the primary caregiver for a child under the age of 6, you are excused.

I was called several times when my kids were little. I opted to be excused. Now that my kids are older, I am willing to do my part.

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 03:10 pm:

I agree, call and see if you can be excused this time. Not having child care is a good reason, and I personally don't think you should be out of pocket for child care - if you can find it - for jury duty.

But do think - if you or someone you care about is ever in court for any reason, would you want the jury to be composed only of people who couldn't get out of it?

By Marcia on Monday, September 5, 2005 - 08:37 pm:

Wow, we sure don't have those options in Ontario. My mom got out of it because she had a bladder condition, and would have had to have frequent breaks. She's the only person I've ever known to get out of it. They don't seem to care about work, kids, etc.