A responsible citizen who receives a jury summons should take the following actions:
-
Show his or her boss the notice and ask for the day off in order to obey the summons: This is the most appropriate and responsible course of action. Not only does it demonstrate respect for the legal process, but it also allows the person to fulfill their civic duty while ensuring that their employer is aware of the situation.
-
Contact the court office listed on the summons if there are legitimate concerns: If the individual has real issues regarding their ability to attend, they should communicate with the court. This is crucial if there are any hardships, conflicts, or other valid reasons that might affect their ability to serve. Courts often provide options or accommodations, and being proactive is key.
The other options listed are not responsible actions:
-
Showing the summons to family and friends to complain about the government: This does not address the obligation to serve and shifts focus from civic duty to venting frustrations.
-
Throwing the summons away and forgetting about it: Ignoring a jury summons can lead to legal consequences, including fines or other penalties.
-
Using the summons as an excuse to take the day off for personal activities: This is not only irresponsible but also dishonest. It undermines the judicial process and can diminish respect for civic responsibilities.
Overall, demonstrating accountability and respect for civic duties is part of being a responsible citizen.