Using a Medical Condition to Get Out of Jury Duty

[2momo123]

My question involves public health law in the State of: California

I have been "randomly selected" to serve jury duty on a four week case, but have a 13 year old child and a husband. My 13 year old is attending a new school, and I need to care for him. In addition to this I have been diagnosed with Arnold–Chiari malformation. Am I obligated to serve in this long-term trial?

[cbg]

You are unless the judge excuses you.

[Dogmatique]

Also, AC is generally treatable and rarely fatal; a basic rule of thumb is that if you can work, you can serve.

Is there any reason you must take care of a 13 year old who is attending school full time?

[jk]

My question involves public health law in the State of: California

I have been "randomly selected" to serve jury duty on a four week case, but have a 13 year old child and a husband. My 13 year old is attending a new school, and I need to care for him. In addition to this I have been diagnosed with Arnold–Chiari malformation. Am I obligated to serve in this long-term trial?

does your summons explain how to seek a dismissal prior to attending jury selection? If so, follow the directions and see what happens. If not, when attending the jury selection, you are typically asked if there is a reason you cannot serve. Speak up but do not lie. If setting in a jury box all day (and sometimes very long days) would be a problem, be sure to make this known. If your doctor supports your claim, have him write a letter on his letterhead stating why you cannot serve or the problems it might cause.

while nothing you state outright is reason to excuse you, the courts may consider excusing you depending on the total facts of the issue.