But of course, we were "encouraged" not to be involved for some reason or other. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. Even in other ways, might this sort of problem arise for a Christian juror? Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. My honey was called to jury duty. Then the judge identifies the parties and their attorneys and describes the nature of the case. He was allowed to leave. Your jury vote gets diluted by 12, and in many courts a sole vote can hang a jury. Nine Dollars . Just take a pillow with you and a coin to flip during deliberations. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovah?s witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. You will need to provide a letter from your superior. #15. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision. We discuss the top three things that identify the Jehovah's Witnesses as collective narcissists: 1) Persecution Complex 2) Belief that they are the only true religion 3) They believe they are. Therefore, one must recognize that the main rule of Jehovah's Witnesses is to believe everything that is presented to them by their Governing Body, even if such beliefs were changed from past understanding, or even if such believes will change with future understanding. To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. In a headline-making decision, a California jury awarded her $28 million, the largest verdict against the organization at the time. Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside?" Other Christians, though, have decided otherwise. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. All rights reserved. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged" ( Matthew 7:1-2 ), or as we might say in modern language, "Don't convict others of sin ." Christ's disciples should not engage in the trying, judging, sentencing or punishing of others. I just love this statement. The third family member who claimed abuse was not a plaintiff in the lawsuit. At least three grand jury witnesses said investigators want to question governing body members, who work out of the organization . The use of juries is not universal. This Biblical counsel certainly should alert Christians to be slow about getting involved in others personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. "1 Peter 2:14. 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. i think otherwise he would have done it. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. The judge will dismiss any whose impartiality may be questioned because of possible interest in the case. I have been through it twice. What is the attitude of Jehovah?s Witnesses toward jury duty??U.S.A. The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. facts are never revealed) I was called up for jury service once and Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. The Jews readily said: "His blood come upon us and upon our children. Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. However, I never got to actually sit on the jury. Next day he went back to the judge and told him he was a JW. I would find out what rat hole they are pouring the money in to and then indict the rats. He confessed to committing many of these criminal offenses to the Grand Jury, and admitted to a life-long struggle with deviant impulses. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. All Dating & Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising Children Raising Teenagers. How come it's only people who don't want it that get it? wrote the letter to the courts. (Luke 20:25) In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. God?s people recognize Jehovah as the Supreme Judge. or redistributed. 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. latest Request a visit from one of Jehovah's Witnesses. (John 15:19; Isa. 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). g80 1/22 pp. Still, most people have only a vague idea of how juries are selected and what they do. 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. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision.Galatians 6:5. Find a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. Some Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. Our Savior's answer is, "Judge not that you be not judged. Jury Duty Excuse Letter Format Date Name Title Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. Audio. Find a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses How do JW's get out of it??? [612-25] Protection of jurors' employment. Animated videos that teach children to listen & obey their parents & God. Surgeons highly value and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high . He asked the elders for advice and they told him to look it up himself. ", 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.". Any who are dismissed from that jury panel return to the jury pool to await random selection for other cases. 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. and receive judgment. Lack of child or dependent care. What if a Christian does not feel that his conscience permits him to serve on a particular jury? Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. Announcement. However, the context shows that Jesus was speaking about a personal or private type of judging, such as criticizing the personal habits and preferences of others. Here & Now Compass by beksbks (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. Jehovah's Witness Rules About Divorce Jehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to: Apply for a divorce without proving to the elders that their spouse is guilty of adultery. The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. (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. Jury legislation has a long history which we describe in paragraphs 2.2-2.7. 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. Pay every government official what he has a right to askwhether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or honour.Rom. A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. 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. 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. A jury is a group of citizens who try an accused charged with a criminal offence. How old would you be if you graduated high school in 1977? (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?" Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. 27-29 Questions From Readers ***. 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. What to do? (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 Caesars functions, each Christian must decide whether to submit.Matthew 5:41. What scriptures do you think he had in mind? The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. In some lands, the judicial system uses juries selected from the citizenry. ONLINE LIBRARY. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. What was clear was that if he refused it, the WTBTS would not pay his legal costs. I've been out of work for four months. Non-Exempt Employees. 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 jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. 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.". It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. New languages available: Arosi, Ayiwo, Bauro, Kibala, Kuvale (Mucubal), Trinidad and Tobago Sign Language. (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar. The jury dismissed claims that the church should have reported the second woman's abuse by the same congregation member. This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. 1997 (Personal matter but WTS "gives permission" to serve on a jury and have the congregation not levy any punishment (in print anyway). Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. A legal challenge to that law is pending before the Montana Supreme Court. It is something to consider. 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. (Daniel 3:1-12; Luke 2:1-4) There are, though, factors that sincere Christians can consider. 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. What is the moral lesson of at wars end by rony diaz? It must be your personal decision not to serve not because the WTS is telling you not to serve on a jury duty. (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?" I would love that duty. 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. Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of God?s Word in reaching a verdict. 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. friends. He has been charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Endangering . I think I should call a few people here for "jury duty.". 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. From a pool of persons called for jury duty, some are selected at random as potential jurors for a particular case. Brought up, and read the First time. . 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? We are happy to help those interested in the Bible or in our worldwide work. 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. The use of juries is not universal. The Jehovah's Witnesses are an outgrowth of the International Bible Students Association, which was founded in 1872 in Pittsburgh by Charles Taze Russell. You can also find elders and MS that will say you can't (probably didn't read the last QFR). Jehovah's Witnesses, Murrieta, California; French Valley Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, Murrieta, California, Inc.; and Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses) were defendants in the trial court but Plaintiff dismissed them. 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. But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. Jury duty within the past year. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. He told the elders. They can actually investigate things. will be judging and it could become an issue of conscience 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. (Romans 13:7) That is straightforward as to a monetary tax. 28 U.S.C.A. And it is noteworthy that in most places being a juror does not involve sharing in political matters, which a Christian would not do because of his neutral position. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) I would like the oppourtunity to try again though, but not on a murder charge. (Gen. 9:5, 6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows God?s thinking even when the law of the land differs. Even if you are called to jury duty, it does not necessarily mean you will serve. "?Matthew 27:24, 25. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that battles recounted in Hebrew scripture, such as the conquest of Jericho, and the divinely sanctioned military manoeuvres against surrounding nations were attempts to re-establish true religion by attempting to eliminate all traces of Canaanite religion. I helped him research the advice, and I found the 1997 article above (current light). 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. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a "hung jury" and subsequent retrial. 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. It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong. (Luke 12:14) The apostle Paul raised similar questions in his letter to the Corinthians: "What do I have to do with judging those outside? 13:1-7, The Jerusalem Bible. While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. Then the apostle added: For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision. they be exempted from service due to religious convictions (such as Under the age of 18 This is very true. 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. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. Download. `At the end of Schedule 1 to the Juries Act 1974 there shall be added "those who object on grounds of religious belief to serving on juries.".' [Mr. Peter Archer.] Some Christians have viewed jury service as rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. It is closer to the situation of Daniel?s three companions. 1973 (Personal matterbut WTS says to refuse to be on a jury). The court ruled that the Jehovah's Witnesses illegally failed to report the abuse, and the jury awarded her $4 million in actual damages and $31 million in punitive damages. 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? Sometimes life gets busy, and jury duty can seem like an unnecessary inconvenience in your schedule. (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. If a Christian reported for jury duty, as directed by the government, but because of his personal conscience declined to serve on a particular case despite the insistence of the judge, the Christian should be prepared to face the consequences?be that a fine or imprisonment. In the state of Georgia, any person 70 years of age or older is entitled to make a request to the board of jury commissioners or its clerk in writing, accompanied by an affidavit giving the person's name, age, and such other information as the board may require, in order to be excluded from further jury duty. Most of the JW's I knew tried the conscience thing to get out but failed most of the time. An employee is responsible for informing his or her supervisor if he or she is excused from jury or witness service for 1 day or more or for a substantial part of a day. The second passage pertains to a case of wrongdoing in the Corinthian congregation. For more than two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at . 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. In lands where what is called civil law prevails, legal cases (both criminal and civil) are usually heard and decided on by a single professional judge, or by a panel of justices. While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. What this means is if the police waste time dragging someone in for some victimless "crime" and the DA makes a case, you as a juror can call them out on this stupidity by voting for acquittal. 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. Children to listen & amp ; God desire to provide a letter from your superior ``. 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