Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of God?s Word in reaching a verdict. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovah's witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. The court opinion reported that he, "stated that it violated his personal freedom of conscience to serve as a juror and that he felt he had authority under his religious beliefs to serve within his congregation with power to judge or decide but not to so serve outside his congregation and cited quotations from the scriptures to support his belief." One thing I would do is go after these school officials who have larger budgets with fewer students and then cut teachers from the staff while claiming it is because of budget cuts. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. 33 Replies All rights reserved. . Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. Our Savior's answer is, "Judge not that you be not judged. The ceremony may be followed by a social gathering, or reception, which may include a meal. Sometimes life gets busy, and jury duty can seem like an unnecessary inconvenience in your schedule. It has been reasoned that all citizens benefit from courts and so should be willing to be jurors, even as all benefit from other governmental services and so should pay taxes for these. Fact Sheet: Court Leave. a Jesus attended such a feast in the city of Cana early in his ministry.. . Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) For more than two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at . Welcome. When most people think of a jury, they have in mind a panel of 12 citizens at a trial?either a civil dispute or a criminal case?who hear testimony to decide guilt or innocence. (West Virginia vs Everly). Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office has launched a grand jury investigation into how the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses have handled reports of sexual abuse in their congregations. I was seated once, then they excused me because of a work conflict. 3:16) Other Christians, though, have accepted jury duty but have asked to be excused from those cases where they felt their Bible-based thinking would be at variance with secular laws. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. friends. Of course, if the hardship was great I guess I would be saying something else. Either side can dismiss individuals . The Babylonian government commanded them to report to the plain of Dura, and their doing so did not violate God?s Law. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. Therefore, one must recognize that the main rule of Jehovah's Witnesses is to believe everything that is presented to them by their Governing Body, even if such beliefs were changed from past understanding, or even if such believes will change with future understanding. A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." File - In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25-30 Columbia Heights, then world headquarters of the Jehovah's Witnesses, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Will require a letter from superior. Animated videos that teach children to listen & obey their parents & God. Not enough people vote. Some jurors have consulted horoscopes, given in to personal prejudice or yielded to pressures from others in making a decision. Pay every government official what he has a right to askwhether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or honour.Rom. Depending on local law, others?such as doctors, clergymen, lawyers, or owners of small businesses?may claim exemption. The Montana case is one of dozens that have been filed nationwide over the past decade alleging Jehovah's Witnesses mismanaged or covered up the sexual abuse of children. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This was far more than the usual $3 per day. However, I would rather spend the time on jury duty than having to go to the Grand Boasting Session. Well here (Arizona) they get it off your Drivers license record, if you have a drivers license you can get called for duty. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is God?s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad." The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. Then the judge identifies the parties and their attorneys and describes the nature of the case. not sit on a jury. After a number of days, a person?s jury duty is fulfilled, whether he has actually sat as a juror or not. This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. A legal challenge to that law is pending before the Montana Supreme Court. Some have referred to Jesus? But even if you live where such juries are not used, you can profitably consider the question, for some of the relevant Bible principles can apply to you if you are asked to judge in a dispute on your job or to mediate some dispute in your neighborhood. He has to analyze the legal evidence put forward in the legal hearing and give an unbiased decision. For instance, in some places capital punishment is a possible or mandatory sentence for a person found guilty of certain crimes. Still, some persons have reasoned that the local or national government is taxing ones time in requiring any qualified citizen to serve briefly as a juror. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. English. Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. I've been out of work for four months. In many states and in Wisconsin especially for the last 25 years at least, DL records have been used to keep the jury pool diverse and just to have enough people to call. One must pay for his/her own lunch also! If a Christian reported for jury duty, as directed by the government, but because of his personal conscience declined to serve on a particular case despite the insistence of the judge, the Christian should be prepared to face the consequences?be that a fine or imprisonment. Unfortunately, skipping jury duty simply because you do not want to attend can create a long list of new issues you will have to deal with. To avoid undue hardship, an agency may adjust the . Since registering to vote 2 years ago, I have been called on the pool three times and had to go in once. He asked the elders for advice and they told him to look it up himself. Thanks Mis. Remarry, unless they were granted a "scriptural divorce" by the elders on the basis of adultery, or if their spouse is dead. Take part in any protest or strike. Supreme Court turned down the contention that Gigante was exercising his claimed " duty as a priest" in his relations with the prisoner, who is serving a 62-month federal sentence for interstate gambling violations and was additionally convicted of bribing a prison official. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). When most people think of a jury, they have in mind a panel of 12 citizens at a trialeither a civil dispute or a criminal casewho hear testimony to decide guilt or innocence. In lands where what is called "civil law" prevails, legal cases (both criminal and civil) are usually heard and decided on by a single professional judge, or by a panel of justices. They listen to the evidence presented by both the defense and the prosecution, talk about the case with each other and make a decision as to the guilt or innocence of the person on trial. The amount was later reduced to $15.6 million, including $8.6 million in punitive damages. (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:15) When a Jew asked Jesus to judge a matter about inheritance, he responded: "Man, who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. In lands where what is called civil law prevails, legal cases (both criminal and civil) are usually heard and decided on by a single professional judge, or by a panel of justices. Can The tpms sensors on a 2002 Ford Explorer can be activated using a magnet.. This is the time to speak up if one has a conscientious reason for not serving because of the nature of that case. as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to ?take a stand against it? Jury Duty Excuse Letter Format Date Name Title Under the New Covenant, God clearly states that . The jury awarded the 21-year-old woman $4 million for her injuries, plus $30 million in punitive damages against Watchtower and $1 million in punitive damages against the Christian Congregation. It's all good. If a guilty verdict is in error and the death penalty is imposed, would a Christian on the jury share bloodguilt? However, the context shows that Jesus was speaking about a personal or private type of judging, such as criticizing the personal habits and preferences of others. facts are never revealed) I was called up for jury service once and And it is noteworthy that in most places being a juror does not involve sharing in political matters, which a Christian would not do because of his neutral position. 1978 (Personal matters but WTS discourages jury duty). Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. Some Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside? He went on to state that Christians should strive to avoid even taking their grievances or disputes to worldly courts for handling. Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. What is the moral lesson of at wars end by rony diaz? A different problem is illustrated with a nurse in Texas who was a juror at the trial of a young man, son of a prominent family, who was accused of beating to death another youth. The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. . For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged" ( Matthew 7:1-2 ), or as we might say in modern language, "Don't convict others of sin ." Christ's disciples should not engage in the trying, judging, sentencing or punishing of others. Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. I've never been summoned for jury duty, but my mom was - more than a year after she died. The second passage pertains to a case of wrongdoing in the Corinthian congregation. In some lands, the judicial system uses juries selected from the citizenry. The monetary award must be reviewed by the trial judge and could be reduced. This view is of interest to Christians because of what the apostle Paul wrote about governmental superior authorities. He counseled: You must all obey the governing authorities. "Matthew 27:24, 25. 14:1-4,10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1Corinthians 5:126:8. 6 Replies Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a congregation member, a jury ruled in a verdict. I've been summoned twice and both times our jury pool was dismissed early. My understanding was always that they could as long as the death penalty wasn't an issue. . They were paid $35 per day for jury duty. Military duty - may also be a valid reason to ask to be excused from jury duty. While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. Witness leaders said in a statement that they "welcome an opportunity to explain our beliefs and practices to government officials.". Christ refused, saying Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons? The congregation of Israel had Gods laws on inheritance and designated older men to resolve disputes of that sort. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. I recently served on a Jury panel for a court case. Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of Gods Word in reaching a verdict. This contradicts many Scriptures which clearly declare Jesus to be God ( John 1:1, 14, 8:58, 10:30 ). 541.602(a)); however . jw If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. Where this prevails, a Christian must decide how to respond when directed to report for jury duty. years ago I worked in small town radio. If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. If his conscientious scruples are not accepted as disqualifying him for jury duty, the Christian may feel that he will have to refuse to serve in order not to violate his conscience. In a short answer, yes, and employer can require proof of jury duty. i think otherwise he would have done it. Fax : 803-765-5283. To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. But a distinctive feature of common law countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. I would be thrilled to be on a jury. So could he agree, such as when being examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law? Paul counseled: "Render to all [the superior authorities] their dues, to him who calls for the tax, the tax; to him who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to him who calls for fear, such fear." The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus? In reality, though, it is quite possible that the trial he is selected for does not involve such issues. A regular jury only hears what is given to them, but a grand jury is the mother lode. He was allowed to leave. Attend other Christian churches . Being one of JWs is not enough to get you out of jury duty. MARRIAGE & FAMILY. Find a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. The rules are not quite as important as loyalty to the organization. In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25 . Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. Here & Now Compass What they did thereafter was another matter, as the Bible shows. - The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a. Paul wrote: "It is God?s minister to you for your good. Still others have accepted any jury assignment, feeling that it is Caesars right to oblige persons to serve in the civil capacity of hearing evidence and honestly deciding on questions of fact or guilt. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. God?s people recognize Jehovah as the Supreme Judge. (AP) The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a congregation member, a jury ruled in a verdict. 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