I do not generally read the editorials, but Sarah Ruppenthal’s title [“Runaway Jurors”] intrigued me. I cannot agree more with your story and want to thank you. I have gotten a few jury summonses in the past, but each time, the case was settled before I had to report. Recently, however, I got a Hawai‘i District Court summons and was excited about the possibility of serving on a really important case.
Being retired, I have no reason to be excused and I am looking forward to serving. When the jury summons arrived and I began telling friends (mostly retired, also) about it, I was amazed at all the excuses each person came up with to help me “get out” of serving. Most were shocked when I said I wanted to go. I do feel it is a responsibility for every U.S. citizen to serve if at all possible.
If I get the chance to go to jury selection, I will be ready to serve if selected. I think your editorial may help some of those people who seek excuses to see that being on a jury is one of those privileges of being an American.
Mahalo for a great editorial.
J.S.
Kihei