Jury service while pregnant?

sopoor

Hi,

I have just received my Jury summons. Before I start with my excuses, I'd like to make it clear that I have attended once before and was involved in cases for the whole two weeks. It was an interesting experience.....
However, this summons comes right in my summer holidays (I work term time only). I will not be allowed to take the time off that I'll lose at any other time instead due to work's rules.
I would be happy to defer except that I'm 4 months pregnant and do not want to be called around my due date and certainly not once my baby is born and i'll be on maternity leave. Do you think this warrants an excusal? Has anyone else had experience of this? Any advice will be much appreciated!
Thank you

superskilly

Wow, i thought you only ever got called up once. I'd love to do it, sorry i know nothing about it though, good luck

sopoor

And I'm only 28 - some people go their whole lives without being called. I guess I'm just 'lucky'! Thanks anyway x

kizzykizzywizzy

I've done it twice too & Husband's done it once - enjoyable as i'm nosy & very interesting -luckily nothing too gory!
BUT, I wouldn't want to use precious time before the baby or as you say around the due date. perhaps your doctor can write you a note that you've already served as a jury member & in light of your situation, you will be unable to serve.

whitewing

Don't know how to link, but if you do a google search on 'jury service while pregnant' there is a similar question on yahoo. (doesn't cover you school holiday situation though)

sopoor

Thanks, I looked up the search and found it helpful. I guess i'll just have to try to defer or be excused and see what they say. I feel a bit lazy, but on the otherhand I do feel like i've already served my time!

frostyspice

This happened to me when pregnant although I was excused for a different reason. Had that reason not been sufficient I would have begged to be excused on the basis that I needed the loo every thirty minutes and would constantly have needed to be stopping the evidence to go!

I do not think that any judge wants a heavily pregnant woman on the jury, cos if you do go into labour they've lost a juror and will have to start all over again! Go and see your GP, ask him/her to write a note. Or phone up the jury service people and see what they say.

surreysaver

Also, you'd have pre-natal appointments to be excused for. I imagine a pregnant woman would be too disruptive for jury service. Although it should be like work - you hhave the right to do your service, but the right to be given time off for the loo and appointments! Then there is the travelling as well - it may not be advisable on crowded trains/buses in rush hour, or you may have trouble parking nearby if you drive.

LilMissEmmylou

morning sickness too - thats always a good excuse lol. I was actually sick as a dog for months, so perfectly plausible

kazwookie

I'd ring then up and discuss it with those in power, then get round to your doctors.

pinkshoes

My mum's a teacher, and was called for Jury Service for a second time, and it was during her 2 week easter holiday!! She was NOT happy, but on the basis that she'd already planned a weekend away during that 2 weeks, they allowed her to defer it.

The deferment was a whole 14 months away, so unless you're planning an 18 month pregnancy, this might not be a problem! She's done it now, and the whole thing was a waste of time, with the whole 2 weeks waiting around, then being sent back to work. She thought she got a case in the 2nd week, then low and behold the accused decided to change his plea to guilty, so jury not required!