Originally Posted by BellaBoo
From what I saw of the judges I had, they were not pleasant to the jurors that tried to get off jury duty. ... The ones that said their employer couldn't do without them, the judge said let's bring your employer here and let him/her hear me tell them why you can be excused, give the info how to contact your employer to this nice gentleman right there. Next!
The trick is not to ask to be let off, but to make yourself sound like someone they wouldn't want on the jury. Talking too much, the way Cathy did, or whining or making yourself sound biased and opinionated would do it. Not that I'm advocating it, but OTOH part of a fair trial is having a jury that's willing to be there and carefully consider the evidence rather than having their decision be based on someone's desire to get back to work.
Originally Posted by BellaBoo
I never was asked if I was opposed to the death penalty, or if I had issues about race, religion, or other things they ask on tv. I was asked my work history and family background. If the lawyers wanted you on the jury you got picked.
What you'll get asked really depends on the case. If it's not a death penalty case, they won't ask your feelings about it. Also first impressions - if you looked like someone who wasn't a problem for either side, they'd pick you and rserve their battles for other candidates.