jury duty jehovah witness

(Romans 13:7) That is straightforward as to a monetary tax. I think that JWs should encourage jury duty. The nurse, having studied the Bible with Jehovahs Witnesses, resisted for days. Do you not judge those inside [the Christian congregation], while God judges those outside? (Luke 20:25) In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. "Watchtower instructed everyone involved that they were not to report the matter to authorities. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. An employee is entitled to paid time off without charge to leave for service as a juror or witness. When most people think of a jury, they have in mind a panel of 12 citizens at a trial?either a civil dispute or a criminal case?who hear testimony to decide guilt or innocence. 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. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someone's being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. I have been through it twice. latest A former Jehovah's Witness is using stolen documents to expose allegations that the religion has kept hidden for decades. The second passage pertains to a case of wrongdoing in the Corinthian congregation. 99.9% of Witnesses will write a letter to the courts asking that They generally do not feel they should, but it is their favorite hobby! not getting involved in "other people?s matters." Christians strive ?to mind their own business,? by freddi I would like the oppourtunity to try again though, but not on a murder charge. I'd rather get a week of assault and battery or a good crime case than some tax case that goes on for a year in Federal court. Either side can dismiss individuals . Announcement. I would love that duty. know that I have requested exemption. jw I would be thrilled to be on a jury. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. Download. friends. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. To avoid undue hardship, an agency may adjust the . Then the government uses its authority "to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," or "to inflict punishment on evildoers. Jury duty within the past year. A jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. A jury duty excuse letter aims at explaining to the court officials why you would rather not attend the duties altogether. File - In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25-30 Columbia Heights, then world headquarters of the Jehovah's Witnesses, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. I got called for jury duty long before I ever became a registered voter. 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. Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. Even as a dub I thought jury duty would be a "different" experience. To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. Fact Sheet: Court Leave. 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." With all due respect to the above author, it is usually best to 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 can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. "Jehovah's Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from such acts. 13:1-7, The Jerusalem Bible. You don't always know what kind of a case you Secular courts are a function of "the superior authorities." You sit in judgment of your peers. (Mark 15:1; Acts 5:27-34) There was no provision for the average Jew to be on a civil jury. Don't know about times past, but I think it's a conscience matter now. years ago I worked in small town radio. Depending on local law, otherssuch as doctors, clergymen, lawyers, or owners of small businessesmay claim exemption. In reality, though, it is quite possible that the trial he is selected for does not involve such issues. (Rom. (Rom. For example, in 1966 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld a Christian who refused jury duty. 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. . 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. Jehovahs witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. Then, depending on the type of case, the judge may sentence the guilty parties. 33 Replies . Some jurors have consulted horoscopes, given in to personal prejudice or yielded to pressures from others in making a decision. Watchtower. Such "stand placed in their relative positions by God," and they make and enforce laws. In a short answer, yes, and employer can require proof of jury duty. Trial by jury existed also in the Roman Republic, though this was abolished under the emperors. (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. 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). MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. The Thompson Falls trial that begins Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, is one of dozens of lawsuits filed nationwide over the last decade alleging mismanagement of sexual abuse claims by Jehovah's Witness clergy and members. Of course, if the hardship was great I guess I would be saying something else. What they did thereafter was another matter, as the Bible shows. This view is of interest to Christians because of what the apostle Paul wrote about governmental "superior authorities." Jehovah's witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. Jury legislation has a long history which we describe in paragraphs 2.2-2.7. (West Virginia vs Everly). I never wanted to do it until the OJ trial. 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 consequencesbe that a fine or imprisonment.1 Peter 2:19. I helped him research the advice, and I found the 1997 article above (current light). . by Nancy Drake My understanding was always that they could as long as the death penalty wasn't an issue. How come it's only people who don't want it that get it? That's how I feel. Other lands used juries made up of citizens. jehovahisgod, Feb 21, 2017. Then the apostle added: "For what do I have to do with judging those outside? | Georgia Military Jury Duty Excuse Trial by jury existed also in the Roman Republic, though this was abolished under the emperors. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. especially if you are not given all the facts in the trial. A part of it read that religious convictions was not an adequate excuse to be exempt from Jury Duty. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. (Exodus 22:2; Deuteronomy 21:8; 22:8; Jeremiah 2:34; Matthew 23:35; Acts 18:6) At Jesus? 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. 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. However, I would rather spend the time on jury duty than having to go to the Grand Boasting Session. do witnesses participate in jury duty? Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. A different problem is illustrated with a nurse in Texas who was a juror at the trial of a young man, son of a prominent family, who was accused of beating to death another youth. In reality, though, it is quite possible that the trial he is selected for does not involve such issues. (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar. 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. In some lands, civil and criminal cases are decided by a professional judge or a panel of judges. From a pool of persons called for jury duty, some are selected at random as potential jurors for a particular case. Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. This contradicts countless scriptures which . 99.9% of Witnesses will write a letter to the courts asking that they be exempted from service due to religious convictions (such as not sitting in judgment of another person especially as all. So there is a danger of becoming party to a miscarriage of justice. 14:1-4, 10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1 Corinthians 5:12?6:8. Find a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses What are jehovah's witness olibigation when it comes to jury duty? The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. In 2018, a Montana jury awarded $35 million to Alexis Nunez, who said she was sexually abused for years by a member of the Thompson Falls Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a hung jury and subsequent retrial. Civil suits or fraud etc. A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. Thus it can be seen why serving on a jury might lead to serious conflicts of conscience. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. You can also find elders and MS that will say you can't (probably didn't read the last QFR). The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. Jehovah?s witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25 . He counseled: "You must all obey the governing authorities. He has been charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Endangering . In a criminal case, they are to determine whether the evidence supports a guilty verdict. 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. Understandably, Paul did not here mention serving on a jury, for under Roman rule there were no citizens? each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. Several elders and MS have served on juries here. by beksbks This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Any who are dismissed from that jury panel return to the jury pool to await random selection for other cases. [612-25] Protection of jurors' employment. will be judging and it could become an issue of conscience Some jurors have consulted horoscopes, given in to personal prejudice or yielded to pressures from others in making a decision. So could he agree, such as when being examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law? Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. My testimony lasted more than two straight hours as I sat facing the Grand Jury and the Deputy Attorney General, together with several State Attorneys and Special Investigators. (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. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1997, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1973. "?Matthew 27:24, 25. 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. 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. What to do? What they did thereafter was another matter, as the Bible shows.Daniel 3:16-18. Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. 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. Legal Statement. Some have referred to Jesus words in Matthew 7:1,2: Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged. 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. It has been reasoned that all citizens benefit from courts and so should be willing to be jurors, even as all benefit from other governmental services and so should pay taxes for these. What scriptures do you think he had in mind? 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. 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. Under the age of 18 A judge guides a jury through a trial by explaining the law and legal terms. Credit:AP Photo/Matt Rourke Sign up for our newsletterto get our investigations and reporters' insights delivered straight to your inbox. MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. Watchtower is pursuing appellate review," it said. . Serving as a juror is often described as a valid civic duty. While the Bible upholds a governments 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. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. jw EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE. He has to analyze the legal evidence put forward in the legal hearing and give an unbiased decision. Some Christians have refused jury duty, perhaps mentioning to the authorities how impractical it would be to compel a person to sit through a trial and then have a hung jury because he feels he would not want to pass judgment on anyones guilt. 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? So, what is your experience and opinion of the judicial process if you've ever done jury duty? Being one of JWs is not enough to get you out of jury duty. Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. Market data provided by Factset. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovahs witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. a. A professional judge guided them on points of evidence. However, the 1977 Act still Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Given the divergence among the various states with regards to this subject matter, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the prevailing rules before setting out. (Exodus 22:2; Deuteronomy 21:8; 22:8; Jeremiah 2:34; Matthew 23:35; Acts 18:6) At Jesus trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." I was new to the "conscience matter" double meaning, so I told my honey he was free to serve. This is a research tool for publications in various languages produced by Jehovah's Witnesses. 29-31 - Awake!1980 Questions From Readers (2 occurrences) In 2012, a jury awarded Conti $28 million, believed to be the largest . Serving as a juror is often described as a valid civic duty. WhatistheattitudeofJehovah'sWitnessestowardjuryduty?U.S.A. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. I did not want to do this at all. Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside?" The ceremony may be followed by a social gathering, or reception, which may include a meal. The Jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of this year. 22:21) Since the Bible does not pointedly discuss jury duty, each one must personally decide what to do after considering all that is involved in jury service, as well as Bible principles and his own conscience. 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. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) Superior authorities. x27 ; s Witnesses what are Jehovah 's witness olibigation it... Be followed by a professional judge guided them on points of fact or law scriptures do you not judge inside. Can prove by documents that they were not allowed to to this guides a jury might damages... Found the 1997 article above ( current light ) s matters. Witnesses child. 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