I have been summonsed for jury duty but do not want to attend because I have a belief that the jury system does not deliver a fair trial. I base this belief on the fact that the legal system is getting much more complex, requiring a greater understanding of the law and its intent, and if not over the head of all 12 jurists statistically I believe that it would be too complex for one or more jurors, so there goes a fair trial. Secondly, jurors are far more prone and susceptible to outside influences than those that choose to practice law, such as solicitors, barristers etc. and can more easily deliver a verdict on bias rather than evidence.
In view of the above and irrespective of the case or the evidence I would be honour bound to myself to find the accused innocent.
If I present this argument to a Sheriff’s officer or a judge I’m likely to be held in contempt of court, which in itself shows how fleeting true justice is.
So, how can I legitimately get out of jury duty?
Are you thinking about selling your home yourself? then
You need to show up for voir dire examination, fill out the juror questionnaire, and present yourself for examination by the court and the attorneys for each side. If it appears that you would be prejudiced and not capable of rendering a fair verdict, you will not be selected.
If you want to "tell it to the judge", you will have the opportunity at this time.
Be arrested or have to undergo emergency brain surgery.
Yourt objection is pure BS and the jury commissioners are sick of hearing it!
You can’t, except by meeting any of the approved conditions to be excused. However, should you ever reach the point where you’re being interviewed as a potential juror, that’s when you can bring up your philosophical objections.
That said, I don’t think it logically follows that, because of your belief about the legal system, you "would be honour bound to myself to find the accused innocent." Your belief in the system itself should have no bearing on your decision in a given case, because you are honor- and legally-bound to only consider the evidence provided in the courtroom.