How not to get out of jury duty... |
How not to get out of jury duty... |
Jul 10 2007, 11:06 AM
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#1
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Admin Posts: 16,421 Joined: 8-December 06 From: Michigan City, IN Member No.: 2 |
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/law/07/10/reluc...r.ap/index.html
QUOTE BARNSTABLE, Massachusetts (AP) -- A Cape Cod man who claimed he was homophobic, racist and a habitual liar to avoid jury duty earned an angry rebuke from a judge on Monday, who referred the case to prosecutors for possible charges. Daniel Ellis' excuses to try to get out of jury duty didn't sit well with the judge. "In 32 years of service in courtrooms, as a prosecutor, as a defense attorney and now as a judge, I have quite frankly never confronted such a brazen situation of an individual attempting to avoid juror service," Barnstable Superior Court Judge Gary Nickerson told Daniel Ellis, according to a preliminary court transcript of the exchange. Ellis, of Falmouth, had been called to court with about 60 other potential jurors for possible service on a 23-member grand jury. On a questionnaire that all potential jurors fill out, Ellis wrote that he didn't like homosexuals and blacks. He then echoed those sentiments in an interview with Nickerson. "You say on your form that you're not a fan of homosexuals," Nickerson said. "That I'm a racist," Ellis interrupted. "I'm frequently found to be a liar, too. I can't really help it," Ellis added. "I'm sorry?" Nickerson said. "I said I'm frequently found to be a liar," Ellis replied. "So, are you lying to me now?" Nickerson asked. "Well, I don't know. I might be," was the response. Ellis then admitted he really didn't want to serve on a jury. "I have the distinct impression that you're intentionally trying to avoid jury service," Nickerson said. "That's true," Ellis answered. Nickerson ordered Ellis taken into custody. He was released later Monday morning. Ellis could face perjury and other charges. E-mail to a friend |
Jul 10 2007, 01:32 PM
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#2
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Really Comfortable Group: Moderator Posts: 2,315 Joined: 10-February 07 From: Michigan City Member No.: 43 |
QUOTE "I have the distinct impression that you're intentionally trying to avoid jury service," Nickerson said. "That's true," Ellis answered. How can they be sure he wasn't lying about that? |
Jul 11 2007, 11:14 AM
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#3
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Spends WAY too much time at CBTL Group: Members Posts: 3,237 Joined: 8-December 06 From: MC Member No.: 3 |
What!? Truth in a courtroom?
The difference between genius and stupidity is that there are limits to genius. Albert Einstein
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