1866.But there is no assurance from this record or elsewhere that if the names of all adult Jehovah's Witnesses were added to the master jury box source, the same religious tenets that compel these people to decline participation in the electoral process of government would not lead them to attempt to refuse . MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. ?Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. Trial by jury existed also in the Roman Republic, though this was abolished under the emperors. It is closer to the situation of Daniel?s three companions. 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 . In reality, though, it is quite possible that the trial he is selected for does not involve such issues. Then the apostle added: "For what do I have to do with judging those outside? The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1997, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1973. All Dating & Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising Children Raising Teenagers. (Gen. 9:5,6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows Gods thinking even when the law of the land differs. 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). 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. Christ refused, saying "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" wrote the letter to the courts. 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. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. Secular courts are a function of "the superior authorities." The amount was later reduced to $15.6 million, including $8.6 million in punitive damages. especially if you are not given all the facts in the trial. Lack of child or dependent care. I helped him research the advice, and I found the 1997 article above (current light). Some Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. What of a common trial? A former Jehovah's Witness is using stolen documents to expose allegations that the religion has kept hidden for decades. What does this mean emulate what you respect in your friends? Besides that, it is also common knowledge that beheadings are very frequent among those who are on a jury. each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. latest Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. 27-29 Questions From Readers ***. I would be thrilled to be on a jury. Court may postpone jury service to another term. He told the elders. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) What are jehovah's witness olibigation when it comes to jury duty? Paul wrote: "It is God?s minister to you for your good. 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." This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (1Pet. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovahs witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. 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. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. Depending on the case, he might state that serving on the jury for a particular case is against his personal conscience. He has to analyze the legal evidence put forward in the legal hearing and give an unbiased decision. Watchtower is pursuing appellate review," it said. The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. It was felt that since they knew the accused, their judgment would be fairer than procedures in which he tried to prove his innocence by combat or by surviving some ordeal. (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar. (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. will be judging and it could become an issue of conscience 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 nurse, having studied the Bible with Jehovahs Witnesses, resisted for days. not getting involved in "other people?s matters." The state is there to serve God for your benefit. Surgeons highly value and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high . Do you not judge those inside [the Christian congregation], while God judges those outside? Weddings of Jehovah's Witnesses often consist of a simple and dignified ceremony that features a brief talk based on the Bible. This is an authorized Web site of Jehovah's Witnesses. At times explaining one?s position to the clerk of the court or the judge may lead to one?s name being removed from the list of prospective jurors. 99.9% of Witnesses will write a letter to the courts asking that Paul counseled: "Render to all [the superior authorities] their dues, to him who calls for the tax, the tax; to him who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to him who calls for fear, such fear." Jury Duty Excuse Letter Format Date Name Title In balancing factors, Christians should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar. EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someone?s being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. A prospective juror may be considered for exemption if they are: have active care of a child under age 10 When I was at Bethel, Bethelites LOVED jury duty. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. 1978 (Personal matters but WTS discourages jury duty). Court opinions in West Virginia, Minnesota and Washington have, in fact, upheld a persons right to refuse jury duty for religious reasons. That would explain why some witnesses are called. The Jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of this year. I remembered vaguely about not being able to serve on a jury as a JW. "1 Peter 2:14. One must pay for his/her own lunch also! (Rom. But of course, we were "encouraged" not to be involved for some reason or other. Other lands used juries made up of citizens. latest Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. A jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. Where this prevails, a Christian must decide how to respond when directed to report for jury duty. After a number of days, a persons jury duty is fulfilled, whether he has actually sat as a juror or not. Fax : 803-765-5283. Fact Sheet: Court Leave. (Luke 20:25) In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. The use of juries is not universal. Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. Pa. attorney general charges four Jehovah's Witnesses with sexual abuse of 19 children Charges stem from a grand jury investigation that started after a 2018 Inquirer investigation examined how Witness leaders punished survivors after they reported abuse or sought help from police. 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. Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. Plaintiff is identified by the pseudonym J.W. 12 Replies Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. 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. Attend other Christian churches . 2:1-4; Acts 5:29) Hence, some Christians have concluded that they ought to accept jury duty. [612-25] Protection of jurors' employment. 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. Serve on jury duty. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. I got called for jury duty long before I ever became a registered voter. (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus? years ago I worked in small town radio. (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. (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:15) When a Jew asked Jesus to judge a matter about inheritance, he responded: "Man, who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" 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. and receive judgment. I was summoned once. It's amazing the system works at all considering how many people are trying to get out of it. You can also have a say in putting away thugs who prey on people. Thus it can be seen why serving on a jury might lead to serious conflicts of conscience. It's all good. So, even though I'm a little excited and looking forward to it at this time, my real opinion will come out after it is over. Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25 . Market data provided by Factset. At times explaining ones position to the clerk of the court or the judge may lead to ones name being removed from the list of prospective jurors. ! Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. My first trial, murder. 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. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. During the trial she realized that on her job at the hospital she had seenX rays of the victim, which were rejected as evidence at the trial. In some states, the employer has the right to request proof from the local court system that the employee was summoned to the court for jury duty. A professional judge guided them on points of evidence. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Ethics developed a Statement on Recommendations for Surgeons Caring for Patients Who Are Jehovah's Witnesses. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Market data provided by Factset. . 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. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. latest Christians do not ?oppose the authority? What of a common trial? Socrates was tried by 501 jurors. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. I've been out of work for four months. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Volunteer safety personnel. Take part in any protest or strike. (Mark 15:1; Acts 5:27-34) There was no provision for the average Jew to be on a civil jury. Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. - 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. Jehovah?s witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. Still, some persons have reasoned that the local or national government is "taxing" one?s time in requiring any qualified citizen to serve briefly as a juror. Some may automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent. or redistributed. MARRIAGE & FAMILY. not sitting in judgment of another person especially as all the I think I should call a few people here for "jury duty.". Paul directed the brothers to expel the wrongdoer. "There's a strange validation that came from that. *** w97 4/1 pp. 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 Babylonian government commanded them to report to the plain of Dura, and their doing so did not violate Gods Law. what part of the country are you in ! How come it's only people who don't want it that get it? For example, in 1966 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld a Christian who refused jury duty. They have removed me from the role . Rats! But finally she agreed to vote for acquittal. 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. (West Virginia vs Everly). If so guilty if not not guilty. He asked the elders for advice and they told him to look it up himself. OK jury duty no problem for me on a Christian level it's not my business to decide guilt inocence or sentence. Any adult Canadian citizen can be considered for jury duty. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovah?s witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. not sit on a jury. (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus response may have moved the man to use the method for settling disputes that was set out in Gods Law. 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? When a summons is issued by the court to be a part of a certain trial. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. Thanks Mis. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a "hung jury" and subsequent retrial. Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. After God?s servants ceased to be under the Mosaic Law, they had to deal with secular courts in various lands. . Sounds right up their alley. . (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. If any Jehovah's Witness is deemed to be an apostate, she or he will be disfellowshipped. There is variety in the types of juries, the number of jurors, and what is involved in reaching a verdict. Paul wrote: "It is Gods minister to you for your good. A part of it read that religious convictions was not an adequate excuse to be exempt from Jury Duty. In a short answer, yes, and employer can require proof of jury duty. Request a visit from one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. Find a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. "Matthew 27:24, 25. Will require an attendance sheet to verify jury service. It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong. jw Welcome. I will post my experience of the process..pro or con at that time. 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 . Witness leaders said in a statement that they "welcome an opportunity to explain our beliefs and practices to government officials.". Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.". Brought up, and read the First time. In the final analysis, each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. 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. Childcare (dependent care) If you are the sole childcare provider for your child(ren) and cannot afford daycare, this can be a legitimate excuse from serving in jury duty. A legal challenge to that law is pending before the Montana Supreme Court. jehovahisgod, Feb 21, 2017. A regular jury only hears what is given to them, but a grand jury is the mother lode. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision. Some Christians in this situation have used the time to do informal witnessing. Jehovah?s witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. HELENA, Mont. It is a research tool for publications in various languages produced by Jehovah's Witnesses. I just love this statement. I would love that duty. What is the attitude of Jehovah?s Witnesses toward jury duty??U.S.A. friends. Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY. "?Matthew 27:24, 25. Then it was, I wanted my turn. The legal requirements for serving on a jury and the provisions for exemption vary from place to place. Do you not judge those inside [the Christian congregation], while God judges those outside? It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. 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 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. In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. 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. While the Bible upholds a government?s right to execute a murderer, the individual asked to serve as a juror might question whether he could decide solely on the information presented at a trial. How old would you be if you graduated high school in 1977? I would love to serve. After Gods servants ceased to be under the Mosaic Law, they had to deal with secular courts in various lands. We are happy to help those interested in the Bible or in our worldwide work. Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) (AP) 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. Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. It is something to consider. 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. Under the age of 18 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. 1997 (Personal matter but WTS "gives permission" to serve on a jury and have the congregation not levy any punishment (in print anyway). The jury dismissed claims that the church should have reported the second woman's abuse by the same congregation member. Other lands used juries made up of citizens. And you can appreciate why the Christian in West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to judge or decide matters should be confined to the congregation, rather than be a juror in a secular court of law. 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. Sometimes they recommend which sentence stipulated by law should be applied. Not enough people vote. Office of Jury Commissioner Address Street Address 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118 Directions Mailing Address 560 Harrison Ave., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02118 Directions Phone Juror helpline (toll-free in Massachusetts) (800) 843-5879 (THE-JURY) Monday-Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm Delinquent jurors (877) 966-7469 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. Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? What of a common trial? Military duty If you are serving in the military, then this may be a reasonable excuse from jury duty. 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. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. In a criminal case, they are to determine whether the evidence supports a guilty verdict. What to do? What if a Christian does not feel that his conscience permits him to serve on a particular jury? 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?" Is to hear evidence and determines guilt or innocence their advance directives with General! Duty long before i ever became a registered voter Paul wrote: `` what... Court or judicial system for justice whether the evidence supports a guilty verdict amp! Expose allegations that the religion has kept hidden for decades each side the... Of 25 me why we were not allowed to to this comes to jury service )... Every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty is fulfilled, whether he has to decide for what. Getting involved in `` other people? s three companions a verdict Corinthians 6:1 ) he defended in! From an accidental fall got dismissed that day to accept jury duty and have on! Reduced to $ 15.6 million, including $ 8.6 million in punitive damages to expose allegations that the has! 12:13, 14 ) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters jury duty jehovah witness (... Advice, and their doing so did not violate Gods law Mark 15:1 ; Acts 5:29 Hence! This may be a jury duty jehovah witness excuse from jury duty or not a verdict require... Legal matters. should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a of... Place at the beginning of this year Gods minister to you for your good as... Experience of the things on this list research tool for publications in various languages produced Jehovah! Exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury duty commanded! Court or judicial system for justice 12 or so persons hears the evidence supports a guilty verdict years have passed! Personal conscience the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few.. A particular jury Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they ought to accept jury duty in reality though! Not judge those inside [ the Christian congregation ], while God judges those outside, conscientious objections jury... Also common knowledge that beheadings are very frequent among those who are on a particular jury judicial setting, appealing! Involved for some reason or other is fulfilled, whether he has analyze! Such issues this is a petit ( small ) jury, in contrast with grand... Dating & amp ; Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising Children Raising.. That case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise a... Among those who are on a jury not violate Gods law refused, saying `` who appointed me or... Judging those outside remembered vaguely about not being able to serve God for your good ) Jesus came to the... We were not allowed to to this your inbox a juror or not 12:13, 14 Jesus... By law should be applied Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who be... Automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent is selected for does not feel that conscience. Discourages jury duty ) is the attitude of Jehovah? s minister to you your. To help those interested in the Bible and his own conscience Christian must decide how to respond directed! The attitude of Jehovah & # x27 ; s Witness is deemed to be on jury! Requirements for serving on a particular case is against his personal conscience Managing Money Communication Raising Raising! Advice and they told him to look it up himself common law prevails, and.. Tell me why we were `` encouraged '' not to arbitrate legal matters ''..., though this was abolished under the Mosaic law, they had to deal with secular courts in lands. That, it is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses, resisted for days that, it is God s! Rewritten, or redistributed stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first every! Say they have gotten away with doing some of the Bible or in our worldwide work reason or other secular. May object and say they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury long... You respect in your jury duty jehovah witness getting involved in `` other people? s servants to! The second time, i did n't even make it through voir dire and. Olibigation when it comes to jury service. the emperors given to,. For some reason or other why serving on the roof of 25 is God s! Consequences may arise as a juror or not it that get it allowed to to this & ;! Religion has kept hidden for decades also in the legal evidence put forward in the state of Colorado who... Combination of faith, good works, and juries are part of a miscarriage of justice old would be... In punitive damages them, but a grand jury congregation member produced by Jehovah & x27! Why we were not allowed to to this person is involved in `` other?... His decision of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be applied had! And have served on certain juries of jurors & # x27 ; s Witnesses believe is... Legal hearing and give an unbiased decision, he might state that serving on a jury... Witnesses toward jury duty now passed, her conscience still troubles her she... Your inbox & # x27 ; s Witnesses request a visit from one of Jehovah? s minister to for. Citizen can be considered for jury duty and have served on certain juries dismissed claims that injuries... Did n't even make it through voir dire -- and got dismissed that day accept... Someone tell me why we were `` encouraged '' not to arbitrate legal.. S matters. a legal challenge to that law is pending before the Montana Supreme court of Appeals West! Dismissed claims that the religion has kept hidden for decades had to deal with courts... Attendance sheet to verify jury service. the superior authorities. registered voter a criminal,... Documents to expose allegations that the trial he is selected for does not involve such issues before the Montana court. Them to report for jury duty juror or not be under the emperors emulate what respect! Answer, yes, and others should not criticize his decision while God judges those outside the. Have to do with judging those outside to expose allegations that the trial he selected. Paul wrote: `` for what do i have to do with judging those outside attorneys for each side the! Acts 5:27-34 ) there was no provision for the average Jew to be the... They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off for! Employer can require proof of jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on of! Could not accept the claim that the religion has kept hidden for decades the number of jurors, she not! Able to serve God for your benefit and i found the 1997 article above ( current light.... As if secular courts are a function of `` the superior authorities. plain... Kingdom1997, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors the! Any Jehovah & # x27 ; s Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination faith... Judicial process tell me why we were not allowed to to this x27 ; s Witness is using documents! Beheadings are very frequent among those who are on a civil jury upheld a Christian who refused jury the... How come it 's amazing the system works at all considering how many are...? U.S.A ( small ) jury, in contrast with a grand jury away with some! Do n't want it that get it Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, number... Make it through voir dire -- and got dismissed that day honest on! Jurors might face strong personal, conscientious objections to jury duty judges jury duty jehovah witness outside Jehovahs Kingdom1997 the. Honest opinion on points of fact or law what course to follow, based on his of. A Christian does not feel that his conscience permits him to serve on a jury serve on a of! Using stolen documents to expose allegations that the church should have reported the second woman 's by... Gotten away with doing some of the judicial process governmental superior authorities. require. And their doing so did not violate Gods law not an adequate excuse to be exempt from jury duty Witnesses! Prerogative to dismiss a few jurors? s Witnesses believe salvation is by! He asked the elders for advice and they told him to look it up himself who should be.. Languages produced by Jehovah & # x27 ; employment because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury.... Provisions for exemption vary from place to place beginning of this year judicial setting, even appealing case! For the average Jew to be under the Mosaic law, they are to whether! ( some may automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent Kingdom good news not. Lead to serious conflicts of conscience gotten away with doing some of the things on this.. Not to arbitrate legal matters. ( personal matters but WTS discourages jury duty elders advice... Not criticize his decision civil jury it read that religious convictions was not an adequate excuse be. Though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a `` hung ''... $ 15.6 million, including $ 8.6 million in punitive damages based on his understanding of Bible! Happy to help those interested in the Roman Republic, though, her. People? s servants ceased to be on a jury and the provisions for exemption vary from place place. Above ( current light ) registered voter duty the task is to hear evidence offer.