I'm on standby jury duty myself this week, call in and see if your number is included, as of Wednesday, haven't been called yet. What is the attitude of Jehovah?s Witnesses toward jury duty??U.S.A. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. I did not want to do this at all. The group needs to be reduced to the number who will actually sit through the trial of that case. How old would you be if you graduated high school in 1977? The judge will dismiss any whose impartiality may be questioned because of possible interest in the case. It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. HELENA, Mont. The lawsuit claimed the local and national Jehovah's Witnesses organizations were negligent and violated a Montana law that requires them to report abuse to outside authorities. Occasionally, an individual is permanently excused for religious reasons, such as a Jehovah's Witness who believes he or she cannot sit in judgment of others. For example, in the United States, a grand jury of from 12 to 23 members decides whether there is enough evidence for a person to be indicted for a criminal offense; it does not determine guilt or innocence. 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 Gods minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad." They can actually investigate things. Do you not judge those inside [the Christian congregation], while God judges those outside? You can also find elders and MS that will say you can't (probably didn't read the last QFR). He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. Non-Exempt Employees. by HappyDad Besides that, it is also common knowledge that beheadings are very frequent among those who are on a jury. . The rules are not quite as important as loyalty to the organization. Witness leaders said in a statement that they "welcome an opportunity to explain our beliefs and practices to government officials.". Christians do not ?oppose the authority? When you vote in an election your vote gets diluted by thousands or millions. A regular jury only hears what is given to them, but a grand jury is the mother lode. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome . I thought that they got the names for jury duty off poll registrations for voting. Market data provided by Factset. 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. Then the judge identifies the parties and their attorneys and describes the nature of the case. as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to ?take a stand against it? I sat in several trials taking notes as a reporter. Two others told. Court opinions in West Virginia, Minnesota and Washington have, in fact, upheld a person?s right to refuse jury duty for religious reasons. Nine Dollars . 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. 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. 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. But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. . A non-exempt employee will be granted leave with pay for actual time spent on witness duty and in related travel if subpoenaed to be a witness in an administrative or legal proceeding not involving Berkeley Lab or UC. 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. But of course, we were "encouraged" not to be involved for some reason or other. In some lands, civil and criminal cases are decided by a professional judge or a panel of judges. by Nancy Drake . 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. In a short answer, yes, and employer can require proof of jury duty. Some Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a hung jury and subsequent retrial. Pay every government official what he has a right to askwhether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or honour.Rom. Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. The first time, I was an active witless and dogged it during selection (I got on the bench and came up with a lame excuse to get out). Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. HELENA, Mont. New languages available: Arosi, Ayiwo, Bauro, Kibala, Kuvale (Mucubal), Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. . A jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. Do you not judge those inside [the Christian congregation], while God judges those outside? I've never been summoned for jury duty, but my mom was - more than a year after she died. (Romans 13:7) That is straightforward as to a monetary tax. English. How do JW's get out of it??? Socrates was tried by 501 jurors. 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. The state is there to serve God for your benefit. Paul wrote: "It is God?s minister to you for your good. But finally she agreed to vote for acquittal. Two women who were sexually abused as children say the Jehovah's Witnesses failed to report their abuser to authorities in Montana, and instead expelled him from the congregation as punishment until he repented. Thanks Mis. They have removed me from the role ", Attorneys for the Jehovah's Witnesses said in court filings that Montana law exempts elders from reporting "internal ecclesiastical proceedings on a congregation member's serious sin.". A Pennsylvania grand jury is investigating Jehovah's Witnesses for alleged sex-abuse cover-up, man who testified says. Former Jehovah's Witnesses who have testified before a state grand jury say investigators are seeking to shatter the wall of secrecy around the religion's leaders and their response to sex abuse complaints. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. I never wanted to do it until the OJ trial. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. A juror is an employee called for the duty as a member of the jury. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someone's being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. The monetary award must be reviewed by the trial judge and could be reduced. He counseled: "You must all obey the governing authorities. 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. Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. (West Virginia vs Everly). The case that prompted Wednesday's ruling involved two women, now 32 and 21, who allege a family member sexually abused them and a third family member in Thompson Falls in the 1990s and 2000s. You will need to provide a letter from your superior. Video lessons designed to help parents train their children to become Jehovah's friend. (Matthew 22:17-21) If Caesar says that citizens must give of their time and efforts to clean roads or perform other work that is among Caesar?s functions, each Christian must decide whether to submit. A Montana law caps punitive damage awards at 3 percent of a company's net worth or $10 million, whichever is less. 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." 14:1-4, 10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1 Corinthians 5:12?6:8. (Rom. 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 is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong.Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. This is something I'm looking forward to in a lot of ways just for the "new experience" it will give me. juries as now exist under Anglo-American law. Following a jury award of $35 million to a woman who accused the congregation of covering up her childhood sex abuse, other former Jehovah's Witnesses say there's a pattern of mishandling allegations. The use of juries is not universal. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision.Galatians 6:5. Of course, if the hardship was great I guess I would be saying something else. Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. The Board of Regents approved this statement at its June 2018 meeting in Chicago, IL. MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. 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 of Jehovah's Witnesses, another Jehovah's Witness corporation that communicates with congregations across the U.S. or redistributed. will be judging and it could become an issue of conscience This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. jw Fax : 803-765-5283. Most of the JW's I knew tried the conscience thing to get out but failed most of the time. jw Then the apostle added: For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Some may automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent. 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. Then, depending on the type of case, the judge may sentence the guilty parties. Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. 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. However, I never got to actually sit on the jury. Christians do not oppose the authority as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to take a stand against it and receive judgment.Romans 13:1-4; Titus 3:1. a. When I was at Bethel, Bethelites LOVED jury duty. (Mark 15:1; Acts 5:27-34) There was no provision for the average Jew to be on a civil jury. 1978 (Personal matters but WTS discourages jury 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." Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. 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 . Naturally, if you live where the possibility exists of being called for jury duty, you might well ask, Should a Christian serve on a jury? All rights reserved. Your jury vote gets diluted by 12, and in many courts a sole vote can hang a jury. Similarly, in a coroner?s jury (jury of inquest), the jurors weigh evidence to decide whether a crime was committed. Attend other Christian churches . Surgeons highly value and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high . To avoid undue hardship, an agency may adjust the . The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. 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. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). 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. Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. Other lands used juries made up of citizens. 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. News > Nation Jury: Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35M to abuse survivor. This contradicts countless scriptures which . During the trial she realized that on her job at the hospital she had seen X rays of the victim, which were rejected as evidence at the trial. Mail : Clerk's Office, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC . The Jehovah's Witnesses are an outgrowth of the International Bible Students Association, which was founded in 1872 in Pittsburgh by Charles Taze Russell. Civil suits or fraud etc. 1973 (Personal matterbut WTS says to refuse to be on a jury). In relation to the composition of juries, this historical development has been directed towards widening the classes of people liable to serve on juries with the object of making juries more representative of the whole community. When a summons is issued by the court to be a part of a certain trial. friends. years ago I worked in small town radio. (Deuteronomy 1:16, 17) Valid as such points are, responding to a direction to report for jury duty is different from involving oneself in the business of others. From a pool of persons called for jury duty, some are selected at random as potential jurors for a particular case. Christians strive to mind their own business, not getting involved in "other peoples matters." friends. Not enough people vote. The congregation of Israel had God?s laws on inheritance and designated older men to resolve disputes of that sort. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Ethics developed a Statement on Recommendations for Surgeons Caring for Patients Who Are Jehovah's Witnesses. . The church also contended that the national organization isn't liable for the actions by Thompson Falls elders, and that too much time has passed for the women to sue. What should a Christian do when called for jury duty? 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. The legal requirements for serving on a jury and the provisions for exemption vary from place to place. Military duty - may also be a valid reason to ask to be excused from jury duty. Farkel. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. Since registering to vote 2 years ago, I have been called on the pool three times and had to go in once. In 2018, a Montana jury awarded $35 million to Alexis Nunez, who said she was sexually abused for years by a member of the Thompson Falls Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. I will post my experience of the process..pro or con at that time. OK jury duty no problem for me on a Christian level it's not my business to decide guilt inocence or sentence. During my 38 yrs as a witness I was called to jury duty three times. Can The tpms sensors on a 2002 Ford Explorer can be activated using a magnet.. He had a change of heart. ! Citizenship and the lack of it profoundly impacted various legal and political rights, the most notable of which were suffrage rights at both the federal and state level, the right to hold certain government offices, jury duty, military service in the United States Armed Forces, as well as many other activities, besides access to government . The second passage pertains to a case of wrongdoing in the Corinthian congregation. 12 Replies 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 a guilty verdict is in error and the death penalty is imposed, would a Christian on the jury share bloodguilt? Similarly, in a coroners jury (jury of inquest), the jurors weigh evidence to decide whether a crime was committed. However, they cut it down to a waste of the morning the second time. He confessed to committing many of these criminal offenses to the Grand Jury, and admitted to a life-long struggle with deviant impulses. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a "hung jury" and subsequent retrial. How come it's only people who don't want it that get it? I think I should call a few people here for "jury duty.". A father, daughter and strip club bouncer convicted of murder in 2015 are entitled to a new trial because the judge on the case unfairly kept a Jehovah's Witness off the jury, an appeals court . Jury Duty Excuse Letter Format Date Name Title This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. 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. While I was waiting to be put on a case, they gave us a piece of paper of instruciton. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they are a victim of a sex crime. 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. 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. MARRIAGE & FAMILY. Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. But My dad was picked for a murder trial anyways while he was an elder (this was like 20 years ago). Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. Study psychology, philosophy, sociology, and viewpoints that might shake their faith 51. The Jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of this year. Jehovah's Witness, member of a millennialist denomination that developed within the larger 19th-century Adventist movement in the United States and has since spread worldwide. Fact Sheet: Court Leave. I would like the oppourtunity to try again though, but not on a murder charge. 2:1-4; Acts 5:29) Hence, some Christians have concluded that they ought to accept jury duty. 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. Only someone with a documented medical problem may be excused permanently from service. In the event of absences due to jury duty, witness duty, or temporary military duty, if an employee works any part of a week and misses the rest of the week for jury, witness, or military duty, he or she must receive the full salary for the workweek, but if they miss a full week, no pay is due for that week (see 29 C.F.R. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah's witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. That might be so if a case involves sexual immorality, abortion, manslaughter, or another issue on which his thinking is shaped by Bible knowledge, not by mere secular law. For example, on a grand jury . I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. "Watchtower instructed everyone involved that they were not to report the matter to authorities. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. Who makes the plaid blue coat Jesse stone wears in Sea Change? never been on a jury but I have been in the standby pool for my District court. 6 Replies It is something to consider. Still, most people have only a vague idea of how juries are selected and what they do. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. (Rom. Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. The Thompson Falls trial that begins Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, is one of dozens of lawsuits filed nationwide over the last decade alleging mismanagement of sexual abuse claims by Jehovah's Witness clergy and members. ?Matthew 5:41. (Deuteronomy 1:16, 17) Valid as such points are, responding to a direction to report for jury duty is different from involving oneself in the business of others. . You're awesome, Blondie! Military duty If you are serving in the military, then this may be a reasonable excuse from jury duty. Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. "Matthew 27:24, 25. 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. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? For example, in 1966 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld a Christian who refused jury duty. 5:12, 13. Candace Conti drew worldwide attention in her fight against the Jehovah's Witnesses when a jury awarded her $28 million in damages - the largest verdict for a single victim of child abuse against a religious organization in U.S. history. (1 Pet. Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY. Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. Paul directed the brothers to expel the wrongdoer. Secular courts are a function of "the superior authorities." There is variety in the types of juries, the number of jurors, and what is involved in reaching a verdict. Some have referred to Jesus? Jurors concluded church elders did not receive notice of the 32-year-old woman's abuse in 1998 as she said they did, and therefore did not have a duty to tell authorities. Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. There is variety in the types of juries, the number of jurors, and what is involved in reaching a verdict. The Bible does not mention jury duty, so he cannot say, It is against my religion to serve on any jury. Depending on the case, he might state that serving on the jury for a particular case is against his personal conscience. (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. My testimony lasted more than two straight hours as I sat facing the Grand Jury and the Deputy Attorney General, together with several State Attorneys and Special Investigators. What were the odds? 2:1-4; Acts 5:29) Hence, some Christians have concluded that they ought to accept jury duty. What are jehovah's witness olibigation when it comes to jury duty? After a number of days, a persons jury duty is fulfilled, whether he has actually sat as a juror or not. Either side can dismiss individuals . Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is Michael the archangel, the highest created being. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovahs witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. 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.