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Can you get bounced from jury duty?

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According to Bob Germaine, the biggest group looking for an exemption is those who are employed, or more specifically, ones who run their own business.

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: November 6, 2009

SEBRING - Could nursing mothers be exempt from jury duty?

That's a question Florida lawmakers may soon answer. On Tuesday, a proposal allowing an exemption to women who are breast feeding passed its first test, with only one dissenting vote, the News Service of Florida reported.

As it stands, there is one exemption from jury duty that is offered to mothers, according to Highlands County Clerk of Courts Bob Germaine.

"One of our optional exemptions is if you're an expectant mother or a parent not employed full time who has custody of a child under six years of age," he said. "They're excused automatically."

That exemption would not apply to breast-feeding mothers.

"This was not covered, now it would be," House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands said to the House Civil Justice and Courts Policy Committee.

The proposal passed with only one dissenting vote, from Rep. Marlene O'Toole, R-Lady Lake, who said she felt there was absolutely no need for the bill, according to the News Service report.

"I have five children and I never had any difficulty getting excused from the jury," O'Toole said following the committee.
Germaine said if there was a situation where a breast-feeding mother decided she wanted to serve on a jury, it would be the judge who would make the final call.

Apart from expectant mothers, state law exempts other individuals in varying circumstances.

Those include people over the age of 70, a person responsible for the care of someone who is mentally ill, a practicing attorney or doctor and anyone who is being prosecuted on a felony charge.
Germaine said other potential juror exemptions are those taking care of a sick spouse or students.

In his experience, Germaine has also come across those trying to get out of jury duty because they have no transportation.

His biggest group looking for an exemption is those who are employed, or more specifically, ones who run their own business.
Germaine said being self-employed does not excuse someone from jury duty, but they could be put on a trial expected to last only a day or half a day.

Ironically, Germaine said the group of potential Highlands County jurors who are the most enthusiastic about serving are those who can be automatically exempt.

"Jurors over 70 make wonderful jurors," he said, noting their vast life experience as one of the reasons they are so sought after.

The best way Germaine has found to keep jurors interested in serving is to keep them active and not just sitting around waiting.

"Most jurors, they don't mind serving if you use them," he said.

Highlands Today reporter Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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