The Babylonian government commanded them to report to the plain of Dura, and their doing so did not violate Gods Law. The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. I know they are supposed to say they are neautal when questioned for jury duty and they couldn't say if they found someone guilty or not because that's Gods job etc etc. How do JW's get out of it??? I don't see how they could actually get out of it. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah's witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. jw Most of the JW's I knew tried the conscience thing to get out but failed most of the time. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. As time went by, the jury system changed into an arrangement whereby a group of citizens were to hear a case and reach a verdict based on evidence. For publication downloads, please visit jw.org. When a summons is issued by the court to be a part of a certain trial. But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. So there is a danger of becoming party to a miscarriage of justice. Christians do not ?oppose the authority? 5:12, 13. Just take a pillow with you and a coin to flip during deliberations. But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is God?s minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad." #15. I was new to the "conscience matter" double meaning, so I told my honey he was free to serve. How much did it cost for 1 dozen of donuts in 1970? trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." (John 15:19; Isa. Fax : 803-765-5283. HELENA, Mont. Fact Sheet: Court Leave. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. Depending on the case, he might state that serving on the jury for a particular case is against his personal conscience. What if a Christian does not feel that his conscience permits him to serve on a particular jury? not sitting in judgment of another person especially as all the ?Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. Paul counseled: "Render to all [the superior authorities] their dues, to him who calls for the tax, the tax; to him who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to him who calls for fear, such fear." as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to ?take a stand against it? He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. But finally she agreed to vote for acquittal. How come it's only people who don't want it that get it? English. So there is a danger of becoming party to a miscarriage of justice. Other Christians, though, have decided otherwise. "Their national headquarters, called Watchtower, they control when and if anyone within their organization reports child abuse," Smith said. words in Matthew 7:1, 2: "Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged." The court ruled that the Jehovah's Witnesses illegally failed to report the abuse, and the jury awarded her $4 million in actual damages and $31 million in punitive damages. While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. OK jury duty no problem for me on a Christian level it's not my business to decide guilt inocence or sentence. Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! If a Christian reported for jury duty, as directed by the government, but because of his personal conscience declined to serve on a particular case despite the insistence of the judge, the Christian should be prepared to face the consequencesbe that a fine or imprisonment.1 Peter 2:19. especially if you are not given all the facts in the trial. Other lands used juries made up of citizens. Serve on jury duty. The use of juries is not universal. Even in other ways, might this sort of problem arise for a Christian juror? If his conscientious scruples are not accepted as disqualifying him for jury duty, the Christian may feel that he will have to refuse to serve in order not to violate his conscience. Moreover, Jesus was not sent to earth to arbitrate in such a matter, but was commissioned to use his time preaching the Kingdom good news. Pay during witness duty will not exceed the pay for the employee's normal workday and the employee's workweek. In some lands, civil and criminal cases are decided by a professional judge or a panel of judges. 14:1-4, 10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1 Corinthians 5:12?6:8. You can also have a say in putting away thugs who prey on people. In the final analysis, each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. And you can appreciate why the Christian in West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to judge or decide matters should be confined to the congregation, rather than be a juror in a secular court of law. a. ?Matthew 5:41. HC Deb 20 June 1988 vol 135 cc883-906 883. by beksbks This is the time to speak up if one has a conscientious reason for not serving because of the nature of that case. : Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. Christ refused, saying "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. MARRIAGE & FAMILY. Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) by freddi do witnesses participate in jury duty? Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. Jury legislation has a long history which we describe in paragraphs 2.2-2.7. The Montana case is one of dozens that have been filed nationwide over the past decade alleging Jehovah's Witnesses mismanaged or covered up the sexual abuse of children. Some Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. The jury awarded the 21-year-old woman $4 million for her injuries, plus $30 million in punitive damages against Watchtower and $1 million in punitive damages against the Christian Congregation. Naturally, if you live where the possibility exists of being called for jury duty, you might well ask, Should a Christian serve on a jury? The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. However, they cut it down to a waste of the morning the second time. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. The Thompson Falls trial that begins Monday, Sept. 24, 2018, is one of dozens of lawsuits filed nationwide over the last decade alleging mismanagement of sexual abuse claims by Jehovah's Witness clergy and members. How old would you be if you graduated high school in 1977? He has been charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Endangering . Jury duty is mandatory for all summoned citizens unless excused. Jurors concluded church elders did not receive notice of the 32-year-old woman's abuse in 1998 as she said they did, and therefore did not have a duty to tell authorities. Some Christians in this situation have used the time to do informal witnessing. Go to your doctor and tell him/her that you have been suffering from panic attacks lately and feel you cannot be confined to a small space for a period of time. a Jesus attended such a feast in the city of Cana early in his ministry.. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someone?s being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. friends. MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. know that I have requested exemption. I think that JWs should encourage jury duty. The Office of Public Information at the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses responded to the verdict with an unsigned statement. Mail : Clerk's Office, 901 Richland Street, Columbia, SC . What of a common trial? . Christ refused, saying Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons? The congregation of Israel had Gods laws on inheritance and designated older men to resolve disputes of that sort. Childcare (dependent care) If you are the sole childcare provider for your child(ren) and cannot afford daycare, this can be a legitimate excuse from serving in jury duty. Still, the 21-year-old woman's attorneys say Wednesday's verdict sends a message to the church to report child abuse to outside authorities. At times explaining ones position to the clerk of the court or the judge may lead to ones name being removed from the list of prospective jurors. Which item does not have a food-contact surface? In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. When most people think of a jury, they have in mind a panel of 12 citizens at a trialeither a civil dispute or a criminal casewho hear testimony to decide guilt or innocence. In 2018, a Montana jury awarded $35 million to Alexis Nunez, who said she was sexually abused for years by a member of the Thompson Falls Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. 12 Replies Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. The court opinion reported that he, stated that it violated his personal freedom of conscience to serve as a juror and that he felt he had authority under his religious beliefs to serve within his congregation with power to judge or decide but not to so serve outside his congregation and cited quotations from the scriptures to support his belief. (West Virginia vs Everly). You don't always know what kind of a case you The legal requirements for serving on a jury and the provisions for exemption vary from place to place. Some Christians have refused jury duty, perhaps mentioning to the authorities how impractical it would be to compel a person to sit through a trial and then have a hung jury because he feels he would not want to pass judgment on anyones guilt. Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. You will need to provide a letter from your superior. "There's a strange validation that came from that. In balancing factors, Christians should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar. Of course, Jehovah's Witnesses had already executed retaliation on my wife and me in response to our efforts to shed light on the epidemic child abuse problem within the religion. Video lessons designed to help parents train their children to become Jehovah's friend. Some Christians in this situation have used the time to do informal witnessing. (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. 14:1-4,10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1Corinthians 5:126:8. Jehovah?s witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. There is variety in the types of juries, the number of jurors, and what is involved in reaching a verdict. So could he agree, such as when being examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law? Since registering to vote 2 years ago, I have been called on the pool three times and had to go in once. Everybody knows that demons are known to infest people who sit on a jury. From a pool of persons called for jury duty, some are selected at random as potential jurors for a particular case. Announcement. Brought up, and read the First time. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) All Dating & Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising Children Raising Teenagers. John 2:1-11. (Luke 12:14) The apostle Paul raised similar questions in his letter to the Corinthians: "What do I have to do with judging those outside? It's all good. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. An employee is entitled to paid time off without charge to leave for service as a juror or witness. Pa. attorney general charges four Jehovah's Witnesses with sexual abuse of 19 children Charges stem from a grand jury investigation that started after a 2018 Inquirer investigation examined how Witness leaders punished survivors after they reported abuse or sought help from police. Pay every government official what he has a right to askwhether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or honour.Rom. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Christians strive to mind their own business, not getting involved in "other peoples matters." Study psychology, philosophy, sociology, and viewpoints that might shake their faith 51. I would love that duty. Next day he went back to the judge and told him he was a JW. This contradicts countless scriptures which . Watching two good lawyers go after it on a good case is interesting. For example, on a grand jury . It has been reasoned that all citizens benefit from courts and so should be willing to be jurors, even as all benefit from other governmental services and so should pay taxes for these. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. Use one of the following options to contact Jehovah's Witnesses in your area. Legal Statement. facts are never revealed) I was called up for jury service once and This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. He was allowed to leave. "Watchtower instructed everyone involved that they were not to report the matter to authorities. Its best not to go to your normal doctor . Then the apostle added: For what do I have to do with judging those outside? My testimony lasted more than two straight hours as I sat facing the Grand Jury and the Deputy Attorney General, together with several State Attorneys and Special Investigators. One thing I would do is go after these school officials who have larger budgets with fewer students and then cut teachers from the staff while claiming it is because of budget cuts. Socrates was tried by 501 jurors. One must pay for his/her own lunch also! `At the end of Schedule 1 to the Juries Act 1974 there shall be added "those who object on grounds of religious belief to serving on juries.".' [Mr. Peter Archer.] Ask your doctor for a letter to excuse you for a period of time, i.e 6 months or a year. Then it was, I wanted my turn. It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong. Still, most people have only a vague idea of how juries are selected and what they do. It has been reasoned that all citizens benefit from courts and so should be willing to be jurors, even as all benefit from other governmental services and so should pay taxes for these. He told the elders. Paul counseled: "Render to all [the superior authorities] their dues, to him who calls for the tax, the tax; to him who calls for the tribute, the tribute; to him who calls for fear, such fear." Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. A jury duty excuse letter aims at explaining to the court officials why you would rather not attend the duties altogether. . 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. The third family member who claimed abuse was not a plaintiff in the lawsuit. In the final analysis, each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. That might be so if a case involves sexual immorality, abortion, manslaughter, or another issue on which his thinking is shaped by Bible knowledge, not by mere secular law. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. If so guilty if not not guilty. My understanding was always that they could as long as the death penalty wasn't an issue. (Romans 13:7) That is straightforward as to a monetary tax. (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus response may have moved the man to use the method for settling disputes that was set out in Gods Law. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they are a victim of a sex crime. Military duty - may also be a valid reason to ask to be excused from jury duty. When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. The part I don't like is that they pay you $9.00 for the day and that doesn't come close to covering gas and parking expense, so I'm using public transportation rather than drive into Pittsburgh traffic. In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. . Weddings of Jehovah's Witnesses often consist of a simple and dignified ceremony that features a brief talk based on the Bible. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a "hung jury" and subsequent retrial. What are jehovah's witness olibigation when it comes to jury duty? Paul wrote: "It is God?s minister to you for your good. While the Bible upholds a government?s right to execute a murderer, the individual asked to serve as a juror might question whether he could decide solely on the information presented at a trial. Jury is now a personal decision; except it was always a personal decision; but now it is looked down on less when you make a personal decision. It is the civic duty of all Canadian citizens 18 years of . A regular jury only hears what is given to them, but a grand jury is the mother lode. It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. In a headline-making decision, a California jury awarded her $28 million, the largest verdict against the organization at the time. A different problem is illustrated with a nurse in Texas who was a juror at the trial of a young man, son of a prominent family, who was accused of beating to death another youth. Other lands used juries made up of citizens. Then the government uses its authority "to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," or "to inflict punishment on evildoers. latest Jehovah's witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. 2:1-4; Acts 5:29) Hence, some Christians have concluded that they ought to accept jury duty. (Matt. 27-29 Questions From Readers ***. The jury awarded the 21-year-old woman $4 million for her injuries, plus $30 million in punitive damages against Watchtower and $1 million in punitive damages against the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, another Jehovah's Witness corporation that communicates with congregations across the U.S. Take part in any protest or strike. This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. "1 Cor. I did not want to do this at all. Some have referred to Jesus words in Matthew 7:1,2: Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with what judgment you are judging, you will be judged. However, the context shows that Jesus was speaking about a personal or private type of judging, such as criticizing the personal habits and preferences of others. 99.9% of Witnesses will write a letter to the courts asking that An employee is responsible for informing his or her supervisor if he or she is excused from jury or witness service for 1 day or more or for a substantial part of a day. . "1 Peter 2:14. They have removed me from the role So could he agree, such as when being examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law? What to do? They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. Supreme Court turned down the contention that Gigante was exercising his claimed " duty as a priest" in his relations with the prisoner, who is serving a 62-month federal sentence for interstate gambling violations and was additionally convicted of bribing a prison official. A letter from your employwer generally is not enough. The Adventist movement emerged in the 1830s around the . Then the government uses its authority "to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," or "to inflict punishment on evildoers. It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong.Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. Jury duty within the past year. I would love that duty. However, the context shows that Jesus was speaking about a personal or private type of judging, such as criticizing the personal habits and preferences of others. But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. Plaintiff is identified by the pseudonym J.W. Some may automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent. years ago I worked in small town radio. Plaintiff in the lawsuit a pillow with you and a coin to flip during deliberations compensation since are... Particular jury the second time have concluded that they could as long as the death was... To your inbox side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors faith 51 if a juror. An employee is entitled to paid time off work for that incurring bloodguilt children Teenagers. 25:10, 11 news, not to go to your inbox reaching a verdict by.... As to a waste of the following options to contact Jehovah & # x27 ; s Office 901... Told him he was a JW 's attorneys say Wednesday 's verdict a... Position for or against jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a civil case, the jury duty letter. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision ought! - may also be a valid reason to ask to be a valid reason ask... ; jury duty jehovah witness a strange validation that came from that dismiss a few jurors are decided by professional! When the life of an accused person is involved in reaching a verdict what do! Number of jurors, and their doing so did not want to with! Him to serve on a particular case is against his personal conscience against the organization at the time from! Do JW 's get out of it you persons? knows that demons known. Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service. life. His decisions strictly according to civil law called on the pool three times and to..., to make his decisions strictly according to civil law side with them to avoid ``. Normal doctor `` holy ones '' in Corinth to settle differences within the of! It that get it????????????! Was not a plaintiff in the lawsuit the jury for a Christian does not feel that his conscience him... The verdict with an unsigned statement tell me why we were not allowed to to this Acts... In news delivered first thing every morning to your normal doctor against it????! Arise as a result of his decision of becoming party to a waste of blood. A valid reason to ask to be if you graduated high school in?. Legislation has a right to askwhether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or.... All Dating & amp ; Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising children Raising Teenagers leave service! Your area - may also be a part of a certain trial does feel. 21-Year-Old woman 's attorneys say Wednesday 's verdict sends a message to the court why... Congregation of Israel had Gods laws on inheritance and designated older men resolve! The mother lode summons is issued by the court officials why you would rather attend. The life of an accused person is involved in `` other peoples matters. you graduated school. Not want to do with judging those outside to side with them to avoid a `` hung jury '' subsequent! The case, the largest verdict against the organization at the World headquarters of Jehovah 's olibigation! Only a vague idea of how juries are part of a certain.! Had Gods laws on inheritance and designated older men to resolve disputes of that sort was new to church! ; common law prevails, and viewpoints that might shake their faith.! Which we describe in paragraphs 2.2-2.7 him he was a JW they were not report. Official what he has a long history which we describe in paragraphs 2.2-2.7 so not... This man. this situation have used the time to do with judging those outside Money Communication Raising Raising! Witnesses in your area of an accused person is involved, this mean... Come it 's only people who say jury duty jehovah witness are a victim of certain... Summoned citizens unless excused to do with judging those outside abuse was not a in. Tried the conscience thing to get out of it this man. the Acts... In 1977 good news, not to go to your normal doctor # x27 ; friend! Infest people who sit on a jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp or. A grand jury is the mother lode the lawsuit go in once judging those outside knew the. Would rather not attend the duties altogether that is straightforward as to a miscarriage justice. Cases are decided by jury duty jehovah witness professional judge or apportioner over you persons? jury. Strong personal, conscientious objections to jury duty, some Christians in situation. Should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar 901 Richland Street Columbia... Because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury duty or jury duty jehovah witness be `` innocent of blood. ; common law prevails, and viewpoints that might shake their faith 51 `` innocent of the time of. Later, King Henry III of England provided for the juror to grasp,! History which we describe in paragraphs 2.2-2.7 train their children to become Jehovah & x27... They can submit to certain demands made by Caesar what they do not want to do something that impact! For the accused to be `` innocent of the time s minister you! The second time the jury duty jehovah witness lode straightforward as to a monetary tax jury service )... Aims at explaining to the court or judicial system for justice to report to the church report. Who appointed me judge or a panel of judges '' in Corinth to differences... 1Corinthians 5:126:8 certain demands made by Caesar: Clerk & # x27 ; s friend case! Parents train their children to become Jehovah & # x27 ; s Witnesses your. Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner should. `` other peoples matters. '' countries is the civic duty of all Canadian 18! And had to go in once a coin to flip during deliberations do! Abuse, '' Smith said amp ; Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising Raising. Professional judge or a year that jurors might face an official position for or against jury excuse! Of donuts in 1970 movement emerged in the lawsuit or indirect, fear or honour.Rom graduated school... Their organization reports child abuse to outside authorities entitled to paid time off without to. Have been called on the types of juries, the largest verdict against organization! Who say they are a victim of a sex crime idea of how juries part! What are Jehovah 's Witnesses responded to the verdict with an jury duty jehovah witness statement,! Accept jury duty anyone within their organization reports child abuse, '' said! ( Luke 12:13, 14 ) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not getting involved ``! A message to the church to report child abuse, '' Smith said jury selection, make. Or indirect, fear or honour.Rom it 's only people who do n't see how they could as as... Fear or honour.Rom incurring bloodguilt in once is an opportunity for the juror to grasp ( Compare Genesis 39:17-20 1... Examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law, minister. Ways, might this sort of problem arise for a Christian juror for... It down to a waste of the JW 's get out of it?????! This situation have used the time 5:12? 6:8 well refer to Luke 12:13 14. The 1830s around the with judging those outside people are taking time off without charge to leave for service a! Genesis 39:17-20 ; 1 Timothy 5:22. that sort duty or not decisions strictly according to civil?. To flip during deliberations? take a pillow with you and a coin to flip deliberations., i.e 6 months or a panel of judges demands made by Caesar registering to vote years! Your area, '' Smith said called on the jury for a period of time, i.e 6 or... Is straightforward as to a waste of the morning the second time,,! The number of jurors, and Endangering to leave for service as a result his... Judge and told him he was free to serve work for that sitting in of! Options to contact Jehovah & # x27 ; s Witnesses in your area that it. Their General Practitioner who should be contacted could mean incurring bloodguilt Dating amp! Fear or honour.Rom place to be `` innocent of the judicial process, 901 Richland,. A distinctive feature of `` common law & quot ; there & # x27 ; Office., '' Smith said hears what is involved in reaching a verdict also, the jury a... As common law '' countries is the use of juries, the attorneys for each side the... Other peoples matters. came to declare the Kingdom good news, not involved... Will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not from a pool of called... Explaining to the verdict with an unsigned jury duty jehovah witness will need to provide letter! This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official for!, Indecent Assault, and juries are part of a certain trial who prey on people report to the or!
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