will be judging and it could become an issue of conscience . I know they are supposed to say they are neautal when questioned for jury duty and they couldn't say if they found someone guilty or not because that's Gods job etc etc. How much did it cost for 1 dozen of donuts in 1970? not getting involved in "other people?s matters." Which item does not have a food-contact surface? facts are never revealed) I was called up for jury service once and 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. Many Christians have in good conscience concluded that Bible principles do not rule out appearing, even as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego complied with the directive of the Babylonian government to appear on the plain of Dura and as Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem at the direction of the Roman authorities. know that I have requested exemption. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. As time went by, the jury system changed into an arrangement whereby a group of citizens were to hear a case and reach a verdict based on evidence. From a pool of persons called for jury duty, some are selected at random as potential jurors for a particular case. This is the time to speak up if one has a conscientious reason for not serving because of the nature of that case. All rights reserved. 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. An employee is entitled to paid time off without charge to leave for service as a juror or witness. Only someone with a documented medical problem may be excused permanently from service. For publication downloads, please visit jw.org. Any who are dismissed from that jury panel return to the jury pool to await random selection for other cases. Witness leaders said in a statement that they "welcome an opportunity to explain our beliefs and practices to government officials.". (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) The nurse, having studied the Bible with Jehovah?s Witnesses, resisted for days. Then, depending on the type of case, the judge may sentence the guilty parties. Any adult Canadian citizen can be considered for jury duty. If so guilty if not not guilty. Civil suits or fraud etc. Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. Ask your doctor for a letter to excuse you for a period of time, i.e 6 months or a year. Trial by jury existed also in the Roman Republic, though this was abolished under the emperors. HELENA, Mont. Remarry, unless they were granted a "scriptural divorce" by the elders on the basis of adultery, or if their spouse is dead. Legal Statement. Enough of that and they will have to re think how they use those resources, since a DA wants a high conviction rate. You have moved I kind of agree with you, but I think it is a matter of civic duty, and I am happy to do my part after so many years of thinking it was all evil in the JWs. I would be thrilled to be on a jury. What if a Christian does not feel that his conscience permits him to serve on a particular jury? I would find out what rat hole they are pouring the money in to and then indict the rats. 2:1-4; Acts 5:29) Hence, some Christians have concluded that they ought to accept jury duty. 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. I'd rather get a week of assault and battery or a good crime case than some tax case that goes on for a year in Federal court. So could he agree, such as when being examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law? Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. Sounds right up their alley. All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. . Volunteer safety personnel. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a hung jury and subsequent retrial. Since registering to vote 2 years ago, I have been called on the pool three times and had to go in once. What were the odds? What are jehovah's witness olibigation when it comes to jury duty? not sitting in judgment of another person especially as all the The elders expelled the abuser from the congregation in 2004 then reinstated him the next year, the lawsuit states, and the abuse of the girl who is now 21 continued. But a distinctive feature of common law countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. In reality, though, it is quite possible that the trial he is selected for does not involve such issues. . Take part in any protest or strike. It is closer to the situation of Daniels three companions. Even as a dub I thought jury duty would be a "different" experience. You don't need to know anything about the law to serve on a jury. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. This is the time to speak up if one has a conscientious reason for not serving because of the nature of that case. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Lack of child or dependent care. 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. The group needs to be reduced to the number who will actually sit through the trial of that case. Farkel. they be exempted from service due to religious convictions (such as HELENA, Mont. Military duty If you are serving in the military, then this may be a reasonable excuse from jury duty. Do you not judge those inside [the Christian congregation], while God judges those outside? (a) An employer shall not deprive an employee of the employee's employment, or threaten or otherwise coerce the employee with respect thereto, because the employee receives a summons, responds thereto, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service. The nurse, having studied the Bible with Jehovahs Witnesses, resisted for days. Market data provided by Factset. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. Where this prevails, a Christian must decide how to respond when directed to report for jury duty. jw Some Christians have viewed jury service as rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Moreover, Jesus was not sent to earth to arbitrate in such a matter, but was commissioned to use his time preaching the Kingdom good news. When confronted with an opportunity to handle a legal dispute, their Exemplar the Lord Jesus Christ turned it down, saying: "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar. . 13:1-7, The Jerusalem Bible. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. 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. God?s people recognize Jehovah as the Supreme Judge. This Biblical counsel certainly should alert Christians to be slow about getting involved in others personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. "1 Peter 2:14. 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. Some have referred to Jesus? In a short answer, yes, and employer can require proof of jury duty. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. 29-31 - Awake!1980 Questions From Readers (2 occurrences) I sat in several trials taking notes as a reporter. (John 15:19; Isa. 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. A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. Proof of service to the court can be useful if the employee tells you he or she will be at jury duty for the week if you suspect . friends. I would love that duty. (Romans 13:7) That is straightforward as to a monetary tax. #15. It's all good. Rats! Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. HELENA, Mont. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Your jury vote gets diluted by 12, and in many courts a sole vote can hang a jury. wrote the letter to the courts. You don't always know what kind of a case you I will post my experience of the process..pro or con at that time. words in Matthew 7:1, 2: "Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged." especially if you are not given all the facts in the trial. The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. Secular courts are a function of "the superior authorities." For example, in 1966 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld a Christian who refused jury duty. One must pay for his/her own lunch also! You will need to provide a letter from your superior. Find the date of the next annual Memorial observance. 99.9% of Witnesses will write a letter to the courts asking that 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. The Adventist movement emerged in the 1830s around the . ?1 Peter 2:19. It is something to consider. Given the divergence among the various states with regards to this subject matter, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the prevailing rules before setting out. Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY. (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus? When confronted with an opportunity to handle a legal dispute, their Exemplar the Lord Jesus Christ turned it down, saying: "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" . HELENA A Montana jury has ruled that the Jehovah's Witnesses organization must pay $34 million to a woman who says the church covered up her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a . Still others have accepted any jury assignment, feeling that it is Caesar?s right to oblige persons to serve in the civil capacity of hearing evidence and honestly deciding on questions of fact or guilt.
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