Jury Duty - Clashing with friends stag

Jimmytwoface

Hi all,

Sorry if this is not the right forum for this but looking for advice on the above.

I have been called for jury service but it's clashing with my travel plans to Galway for my friends stag - I'm in Kilkenny.

Just wondering do you think this is enough to be excused, I don't have proof as such.

Also how would I word it on the form?

Many thanks,
James

RossieMan

No, a stag won't get you out of jury duty in my eyes.

You'll need a better excuse than that.

Jimmytwoface

What about 'travel plans to Galway city for a family event' or something like that?

Riesen_Meal

Jimmytwoface wrote: »

What about 'travel plans to Galway city for a family event' or something like that?

Just show them proof of hotel/travel booking and you should be fine...

Jimmytwoface

Thanks field dog, all I have is a hotel confirmation that a certain amount of rooms are kept for us and that we owe so much on the day, was sent to the organiser of the stag who forwarded it on to me. No names mentioned on it or anything. And we're driving up so no transportation booked or anything like that.

MarkAnthony

Jimmytwoface wrote: »

Thanks field dog, all I have is a hotel confirmation that a certain amount of rooms are kept for us and that we owe so much on the day, was sent to the organiser of the stag who forwarded it on to me. No names mentioned on it or anything. And we're driving up so no transportation booked or anything like that.

Get your name popped on a room. If you grab some toilet paper we can wipe your butt for you too. :pac:

Losty Dublin

If anything you should be grateful that you have an excuse to not go to a stag

andrea1983

Do you have a particular reason why you think your too important to perform you're civic duty? Do you not believe in democracy or trial by a jury of peers?

Timberrrrrrrr

andrea1983 wrote: »

Do you have a particular reason why you think your too important to perform you're civic duty? Do you not believe in democracy or trial by a jury of peers?

Ah stop

Civic duty is one thing and I agree with jury duty (been on 2 myself) but you can't just expect people to drop everything for it (at expense to themselves) because it's the done thing.

There is a reason they bring in a large pool of potential jurors because they know that real life gets in the way for some peple when it comes to jury duty.

Allinall

I can't believe posters are condoning the OP trying to get out of their jury duty.

there are very specific situations where one can be excused-

http://www.courts.ie/courts.ie/library3.nsf/pagecurrent/936CF234C30E91B8802570990055C520?opendocument&l=en

Other occasions when you may be excused.

Other occasions when you may be excused include:
» The County
Registrar or the trial judge may excuse you if he/ she is satisfied that
there is 'good reason' for doing so.


» At the end of a case of 'an exceptionally exacting nature', the
trial judge may excuse the jury from jury service for a long as the judge
considers fit.

Are people really saying that going to a stag party could be seen as a "good reason"?

andrea1983

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

Ah stop

Civic duty is one thing and I agree with jury duty (been on 2 myself) but you can't just expect people to drop everything for it (at expense to themselves) because it's the done thing.

There is a reason they bring in a large pool of potential jurors because they know that real life gets in the way for some peple when it comes to jury duty.

You're right. Sure what's the point in having society at all. **** it like instead of paying taxes on my next pay check i might right to revenue and tell them i had a christening to attend.

Timberrrrrrrr

andrea1983 wrote: »

You're right. Sure what's the point in having society at all. **** it like instead of paying taxes on my next pay check i might right to revenue and tell them i had a christening to attend.

If you had paid for travel, hotel, booked days off work then that's a good enough reason to miss jury duty.

If op had said he was flying to Spain would you still say he should cancel his plans?

MarkAnthony

It's a one off 'family' event. Of course it's reasonable grounds not to do Jury duty on this occasion. If many others weren't wiggling out of it with weaker reasons there wouldn't be an issue.

Dravokivich

Allinall wrote: »

Are people really saying that going to a stag party could be seen as a "good reason"?

Doesn't matter whether or not it's a stag. The OP had prior plans to be away at the same time. That should count as good reason. I was excused for a similar reason.

andrea1983 wrote: »

You're right. Sure what's the point in having society at all. **** it like instead of paying taxes on my next pay check i might right to revenue and tell them i had a christening to attend.

Calm down. Civic duty and all aside, it should not put the person out to do it. That would be unfair and unreasonable.

OP, enjoy it.

MEGA BRO WOLF 5000

andrea1983 wrote: »

Do you have a particular reason why you think your too important to perform you're civic duty? Do you not believe in democracy or trial by a jury of peers?

Lol

Get off your high horse will ya. I had my own jury service a few months ago, out of the 100 or so names read out approx 30 people showed up.

Allinall

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

If you had paid for travel, hotel, booked days off work then that's a good enough reason to miss jury duty.

If op had said he was flying to Spain would you still say he should cancel his plans?

OP isn't flying to Spain, or anywhere else, so that's irrelevant.

They also haven't paid for their hotel.

I can't see how a stag party is any "good reason" to not attend.

Timberrrrrrrr

Allinall wrote: »

OP isn't flying to Spain, or anywhere else, so that's irrelevant.

They also haven't paid for their hotel.

I can't see how a stag party is any "good reason" to not attend.

Hence the word IF

Would you miss a one off family event to do jury duty? I sure as hell wouldn't.

Dravokivich

Allinall wrote: »

OP isn't flying to Spain, or anywhere else, so that's irrelevant.

They also haven't paid for their hotel.

I can't see how a stag party is any "good reason" to not attend.

You're getting caught up on "stag party" too much. Reality is, it's a holiday away with mates. Also, these notices can be posted out 2 months in advance. It wouldn't be unheard of to plan something for a while and then book closer to the time.

Just stop trying to trivialise it and guilt the OP out of a good time.

Mitch Connor

I was down for jury duty the week before I was due to go on holiday. I wrote to someone, can't remember who, stating this and they excused me (on the chance any trial I would be selected for would go longer than one week). There was no hassle over it.

Was kinda disappointed I didn't get to do it - was all ready to watch a couple of 12 Angry Men movies - the original and the other starting a bunch of 90's/00's tv 'stars'.

On the other hand, I'm also not sure that a bunch of average people with no legal background are really the people who should be deciding on the fate of a trial. Maybe we should have people who are trained and appointed based on their experience and track record, to judge the merits of a given case.

Dravokivich

Mitch Connor wrote: »

On the other hand, I'm also not sure that a bunch of average people with no legal background are really the people who should be deciding on the fate of a trial. Maybe we should have people who are trained and appointed based on their experience and track record, to judge the merits of a given case.

We call'em judges.

Allinall

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

Hence the word IF

Would you miss a one off family event to do jury duty? I sure as hell wouldn't.

Dravokivich wrote: »

You're getting caught up on "stag party" too much. Reality is, it's a holiday away with mates. Also, these notices can be posted out 2 months in advance. It wouldn't be unheard of to plan something for a while and then book closer to the time.

Just stop trying to trivialise it and guilt the OP out of a good time.

It's the law of the land that you must attend if called.

A "holiday away with mates" is not a good reason to be excused, especially where there has been no non-refundable outlay.

it's not me that's trying to trivialise it, but others.

andrea1983

Dravokivich wrote: »

Doesn't matter whether or not it's a stag. The OP had prior plans to be away at the same time. That should count as good reason. I was excused for a similar reason.



Calm down. Civic duty and all aside, it should not put the person out to do it. That would be unfair and unreasonable.

OP, enjoy it.

It should not put the person out? What the absolute **** is wrong with you. It puts me out to pay taxes, TV licence, water charges and to separate my rubbish. I do it because it's of benefit to society. We have a society where we look after each other out of duty, commitment, courtesy and respect for fellow citizens. At least we would if people didn't think going ****ing drinking was more important than the justice system. **** me pink .

Timberrrrrrrr

Allinall wrote: »

it's the law of the land that you must attend if called.

A "holiday away with mates" is not a good reason to be excused, especially where there has been no non-refundable outlay.

it's not me that's trying to trivialise it, but others.

So you would miss your child's christening, communion, confirmation?

MarkAnthony

Mitch Connor wrote: »

On the other hand, I'm also not sure that a bunch of average people with no legal background are really the people who should be deciding on the fate of a trial. Maybe we should have people who are trained and appointed based on their experience and track record, to judge the merits of a given case.

Juries are arbiters of fact they don't make legal decisions. Judges are arbiters of law. The jury will be excused while legal argument goes on.

The issue is a Judge can very easily let their previous experience cloud their judgement as to the inferences that they may draw. It's arguable that juries do the same but it's generally thought the strengths outweigh the weaknesses. I'm not sure I agree, but then I'm not sure what the solution is.

It's certainly not letting Judges decide on their own, even practically speaking that would be a nightmare as the same person could come up in front of the same judge on numerous occasions.

andrea1983

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

So you would miss your child's christening, communion, confirmation?

your totally right. Religious ceremonies that are held on saturdays and sundays are far more important than the fair and equitable administration of justice in a democratic society :cool:

Timberrrrrrrr

andrea1983 wrote: »

your totally right. Religious ceremonies that are held on saturdays and sundays are far more important than the fair and equitable administration of justice in a democratic society :cool:

Not all of them are held on Saturdays and Sundays

So again, would you miss one of them for jury duty?

Allinall

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

So you would miss your child's christening, communion, confirmation?

Those examples are as irrelevant as the OP not flying to Spain.

Timberrrrrrrr

Allinall wrote: »

Those examples are as irrelevant as the OP not flying to Spain.

That's not what I asked, would you miss one of those days for jury duty?

Dravokivich

andrea1983 wrote: »

It should not put the person out? What the absolute **** is wrong with you. It puts me out to pay taxes, TV licence, water charges and to separate my rubbish. I do it because it's of benefit to society. We have a society where we look after each other out of duty, commitment, courtesy and respect for fellow citizens. At least we would if people didn't think going ****ing drinking was more important than the justice system. **** me pink .

Nothing, that I'm aware of.

I've been available for selection before. And excused from it as well. Not that it matters much to your rant.

You need to step back and calm down. You are getting caught up in something else entirely and just taking it out here.

lifeandtimes

Allinall wrote: »

Those examples are as irrelevant as the OP not flying to Spain.

How? All are scenarios thay can arise? The op could have been going to Spain for the stages, just so happens it's in Galway but may as well be spain

Op has prior commitments that are about to be infringed by his civic duty. In sure if you had an important doctors appoint during that time you wouldn't attend

Op call them up and say you have a prior engagement with family and friends and can't attend, no need to get into specifics

Allinall

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

That's not what I asked, would you miss one of those days for jury duty?

And as it's totally irrelevant, I won't answer.

In my opinion no County registrar or judge will accept plans to go to a stag party as a good reason to be excused, which is relevant to the OP's question.

Timberrrrrrrr

Allinall wrote: »

And as it's totally irrelevant, I won't answer.

In my opinion no County registrar or judge will accept plans to go to a stag party as a good reason to be excused, which is relevant to the OP's question.

Why should communion or confirmation be an excuse though? It's just a one off thing and can easily be missed.

kidneyfan

Say holiday and provide proof of travel.

andrea1983

How has no mod stepped in here

I once asked for advice to get off a speeding ticket and was banned before you know it

now people just want to dodge a service to society

Selective targetting of posters imo.

Boards mods are a disgrace.

MarkAnthony

andrea1983 wrote: »

How has no mod stepped in here

I once asked for advice to get off a speeding ticket and was banned before you know it

now people just want to dodge a service to society

Selective targetting of posters imo.

Boards mods are a disgrace.

Or most of them are lawyers themselves and it's in the middle of the afternoon session in court. :rolleyes:

Story Bud?

andrea1983 wrote: »

It should not put the person out? What the absolute **** is wrong with you. It puts me out to pay taxes, TV licence, water charges and to separate my rubbish. I do it because it's of benefit to society. We have a society where we look after each other out of duty, commitment, courtesy and respect for fellow citizens. At least we would if people didn't think going ****ing drinking was more important than the justice system. **** me pink .

I would hate someone this angry to be on my jury!

Timberrrrrrrr

andrea1983 wrote: »

How has no mod stepped in here

I once asked for advice to get off a speeding ticket and was banned before you know it

now people just want to dodge a service to society

Selective targetting of posters imo.

Boards mods are a disgrace.

You broke the law and asked for a way to circumvent the punishment

The op hasn't broken any law and is asking for advice on how to avoid jury duty

HUGE difference.

andrea1983

Timberrrrrrrr wrote: »

You broke the law and asked for a way to circumvent the punishment

The op hasn't broken any law and is asking for advice on how to avoid jury duty

HUGE difference.

He's specifically asking for advice on how to break the law.

i was attedning an emergency if you must kno

whiskeyman

Allinall wrote: »

In my opinion no County registrar or judge will accept plans to go to a stag party as a good reason to be excused, which is relevant to the OP's question.

That's your opinion, and thankfully not fact.
I've served on jury duty twice and have seen countless jury members been released for all sorts of valid excuses.... holidays, doctor appointments clashing, family events, even down to 'not liking the content on the case' and others being forewarned of a possible 3 week case was 'too long for them'.
I've also had many friends validly be excused from jury duty for holidays.
A stag do is just a scheduled holiday. Perfectly valid excuse.
Not sure why you are getting so worked up...

Timberrrrrrrr

andrea1983 wrote: »

He's specifically asking for advice on how to break the law.

i was attedning an emergency if you must kno

Doesn't matter you still broke the law.

Op hasn't asked for a way to break the law he has asked if people think he will be excused from jury duty.

I have been called for jury service but it's clashing with my travel plans to Galway for my friends stag - I'm in Kilkenny.

Just wondering do you think this is enough to be excused, I don't have proof as such.

Allinall

whiskeyman wrote: »

That's your opinion, and thankfully not fact.
I've served on jury duty twice and have seen countless jury members been released for all sorts of valid excuses.... holidays, doctor appointments clashing, family events, even down to 'not liking the content on the case' and others being forewarned of a possible 3 week case was 'too long for them'.
I've also had many friends validly be excused from jury duty for holidays.
A stag do is just a scheduled holiday. Perfectly valid excuse.
Not sure why you are getting so worked up...

There is a difference between being released after turning up and being excused before the date.

You cannot (with certain exceptions) be excused because of work.

Which would you holds more validity- work commitments or a stag party?

whiskeyman

Allinall wrote: »

Which would you holds more validity- work commitments or a stag party?

a stag party actually!

Work commitments - unless self employed (that would trump it), onus should be on employer to have adequate cover IMO.

stag party - if already arranged / booked, this is 100% valid.
I think you just need to refer to it more as 'holiday' and you'll see it's fine.
As I already said in my post, I know plenty of family and friends who've been excused prior to turning up.

If your best man could potentially miss your stag do, would you be annoyed or pleased he's doing his civic duty? :rolleyes:

pcuser

Im just going to leave this right here for fellow members of church of the flying spaghetti monster .

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/atheist-exposes-inequality-in-jury-selection-process-31139945.html

Into The Blue

Allinall wrote: »

I can't see how a stag party is any "good reason" to not attend.

so leave it there.. not everything needs to be debated to death.

Stone Deaf 4evr

Allinall wrote: »

It's the law of the land that you must attend if called.

A "holiday away with mates" is not a good reason to be excused, especially where there has been no non-refundable outlay.

it's not me that's trying to trivialise it, but others.

Uh, you keep going on about the law of the land, and him trying to break it. but if theres a system in place that allows people be excused if they've got prior plans, I fail to see the problem. The OP's question is no different to someone enquiring about how to get planning permission for a house or apply for a passport - he just wants to know how to avail of the exemption process.

ChampagnePop

andrea1983 wrote: »

He's specifically asking for advice on how to break the law.

i was attedning an emergency if you must kno

You broke the law, he hasn't

SOPHIE THE DOG

If I hear of you tyring out this I will be very upset.......

From Sunday Times 31 January 2016: AT WATERFORD courthouse last week a jury of eight men and four women had just been sworn in for a circuit court case when one juror announced he had a slight problem. “My dog is parked in the car outside,” he told Judge Eugene O’Kelly. Dismissing the dog owner from jury service, the judge described his actions as “extremely irresponsible” and asked: “If you were to attend a hospital appointment, would you bring your dog along?” Clearly it’s a pet hate.

Robbo

I think OP has his answer. No need for this to degenerate any further.

andrea1983, this is quite different from your thread.

Thread closed