Help!  I have jury duty and even though I feel it is my obligation as a citizen, it is filling me with anxiety.  I have been an anxiety sufferer in the past, and while I have not had a panic attack in many years, I often had them while having to remain seated such as church, a concert etc.  The thought of being "stuck" in a jury box with no way to get out is upsetting me.  Even though I never actually left  a situation, I always knew I could if I had to.  One just does not say - excuse me judge, but I must leave now - LOL!  Any little tricks for me ladies?  I have overcome so much anxiety in my life, but this just seems to be reminding me of the "bad days"!  Thanks for you help.  Dor

Hi Dor,I've been stuck with Jury Duty too - in 1983 I was on the Federal-Grand Jury for 18 months!!  Ugh!!  Not as exciting as it sounds, believe me.

First of all, you may or may not get picked for a jury.  The attorneys and judges look for specific characteristics in a person, and you may or may not have those characteristics.  The number of people called to report in for jury duty FAR outnumbers the actual people picked to serve.

You might want to ask your doctor for an excuse, or you can always explain to the judge that you prefer not to serve for health reasons.  They don't usually question specifics, but they will excuse you for medical and/or health issues.

Good luck!

Hi Dor,

Have you really been selected or just called to appear?  You may not even have to show up and the chances of being picked are slim.  

I've found it easy to get out of jury duty for the exact same reasons you mention. I, too, cannot stand feeling trapped somewhere. (I teach Sunday School just so I can leave the sanctuary after 20 minutes and go down stirs with the kids!)

Anyway, I'd suggest one of two things.  Wait until you actually get called for an interview and say exactly what they don't want to hear.  It's not hard to figure out, for example, my last time was a malpractice suit and they wanted to know if I had anything against doctors.  I told them that one had slapped my mother once (true).  Of course the doctor's attornies were NEVER going to pick me.

Your other choice is to tell them straight out (but I think you'd have to wait till you're actually there) that you have an anxiety disorder that does not allow you to be cooped up. The last thing they want is someone too anxious to concentrate on the case.  Might need a doctor's note for that one, though.

Once I got out of it simply by saying it would be a hardship for me, as I had two little children.  That one is too risky, though.  I'd go the "being a hostile juror" route.

I just went to the administration office and told them , I would be glad to serve , but I have an anxiety disorder that would make it impossible for me to guarentee that I would be able to sit through the whole thing without running out of the building at some point (which is about how I fell about it). Anyway, they put me on the permanent "no jury duty " list. If I ever feel like I can do it, I will go in and tell them I would be glad to , but right now sitting and not being able to leave if I want to is not an option. We have a pretty small and understanding office up here in Tahoe. :)hugs, jeanne

Thanks ladies!  You are great!  You have left me feeling so much better and with a smile!  Thank you sooo much!  Love, Dor

Well Dor.....I was gonna jump in here and give some advice....but it looks like it has been well covered by all the posts!!Just want you to know....I tried;) Got nuttin to add:biggrin:((((Huggers))) ~*Snowy*~