Not enough people vote. 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. Thus it can be seen why serving on a jury might lead to serious conflicts of conscience. He was allowed to leave. 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. Citizenship and the lack of it profoundly impacted various legal and political rights, the most notable of which were suffrage rights at both the federal and state level, the right to hold certain government offices, jury duty, military service in the United States Armed Forces, as well as many other activities, besides access to government . In some lands, civil and criminal cases are decided by a professional judge or a panel of judges. This is an authorized Web site of Jehovah's Witnesses. . MARRIAGE & FAMILY. During the trial she realized that on her job at the hospital she had seenX rays of the victim, which were rejected as evidence at the trial. g80 1/22 pp. However, I would rather spend the time on jury duty than having to go to the Grand Boasting Session. 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. ?Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. 22:21) Since the Bible does not pointedly discuss jury duty, each one must personally decide what to do after considering all that is involved in jury service, as well as Bible principles and his own conscience. . Thanks Mis. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Either side can dismiss individuals . jw 3:16) Other Christians, though, have accepted jury duty but have asked to be excused from those cases where they felt their Bible-based thinking would be at variance with secular laws. This contradicts many Scriptures which clearly declare Jesus to be God ( John 1:1, 14, 8:58, 10:30 ). Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. However, the 1977 Act still The judge will dismiss any whose impartiality may be questioned because of possible interest in the case. A regular jury only hears what is given to them, but a grand jury is the mother lode. Nine Dollars . 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. . I would love that duty. A father, daughter and strip club bouncer convicted of murder in 2015 are entitled to a new trial because the judge on the case unfairly kept a Jehovah's Witness off the jury, an appeals court . If I'm part of the selection, it could be one day, a few, or many, depending on the case. The Jehovah's Witnesses are not exempted from jury duty by statute. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. Jury Duty Excuse Letter Format Date Name Title To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. Attend other Christian churches . He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. Brought up, and read the First time. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.". The use of juries is not universal. How much did it cost for 1 dozen of donuts in 1970? 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. I've already done the preliminary questionaire online and have to check (also online) the day before my scheduled appearance date to see if I must show up or if it has been cancelled. It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. And it is noteworthy that in most places being a juror does not involve sharing in political matters, which a Christian would not do because of his neutral position. If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. Many Christians have in good conscience concluded that Bible principles do not rule out appearing, even as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego complied with the directive of the Babylonian government to appear on the plain of Dura and as Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem at the direction of the Roman authorities. 1997 (Personal matter but WTS "gives permission" to serve on a jury and have the congregation not levy any punishment (in print anyway). Still, some persons have reasoned that the local or national government is taxing ones time in requiring any qualified citizen to serve briefly as a juror. a Jesus attended such a feast in the city of Cana early in his ministry.. A juror is an employee called for the duty as a member of the jury. jw (1Pet. I was seated once, then they excused me because of a work conflict. Therefore, one must recognize that the main rule of Jehovah's Witnesses is to believe everything that is presented to them by their Governing Body, even if such beliefs were changed from past understanding, or even if such believes will change with future understanding. 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. If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. Former Jehovah's Witnesses who have testified before a state grand jury say investigators are seeking to shatter the wall of secrecy around the religion's leaders and their response to sex abuse complaints. The Bible does not mention jury duty, so he cannot say, It is against my religion to serve on any jury. Depending on the case, he might state that serving on the jury for a particular case is against his personal conscience. "?Matthew 27:24, 25. (Rom. I'm on standby jury duty myself this week, call in and see if your number is included, as of Wednesday, haven't been called yet. (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. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. The group needs to be reduced to the number who will actually sit through the trial of that case. (Gen. 9:5, 6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows God?s thinking even when the law of the land differs. And you can appreciate why the Christian in West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to ?judge or decide? Watchtower. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged" ( Matthew 7:1-2 ), or as we might say in modern language, "Don't convict others of sin ." Christ's disciples should not engage in the trying, judging, sentencing or punishing of others. The church also contended that the national organization isn't liable for the actions by Thompson Falls elders, and that too much time has passed for the women to sue. and told me that if I'm ever called again I should let the courts never been on a jury but I have been in the standby pool for my District court. A professional judge guided them on points of evidence. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) I thought that they got the names for jury duty off poll registrations for voting. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. "?1 Peter 2:14. "1 Cor. What is the attitude of Jehovah?s Witnesses toward jury duty??U.S.A. A jury is a group of people randomly selected to make decisions at a trial in a court of law. The Office of Public Information at the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses responded to the verdict with an unsigned statement. Christians do not oppose the authority as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to take a stand against it and receive judgment.Romans 13:1-4; Titus 3:1. English. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. I've been summoned twice and both times our jury pool was dismissed early. Gods people recognize Jehovah as the Supreme Judge. Proof of service to the court can be useful if the employee tells you he or she will be at jury duty for the week if you suspect . 541.602(a)); however . In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25 . friends. (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:15) When a Jew asked Jesus to judge a matter about inheritance, he responded: "Man, who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" Still others have accepted any jury assignment, feeling that it is Caesar?s right to oblige persons to serve in the civil capacity of hearing evidence and honestly deciding on questions of fact or guilt. But finally she agreed to vote for acquittal. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. 1866.But there is no assurance from this record or elsewhere that if the names of all adult Jehovah's Witnesses were added to the master jury box source, the same religious tenets that compel these people to decline participation in the electoral process of government would not lead them to attempt to refuse . A jury is a group of citizens who try an accused charged with a criminal offence. Still others have accepted any jury assignment, feeling that it is Caesars right to oblige persons to serve in the civil capacity of hearing evidence and honestly deciding on questions of fact or guilt. (Exodus 18:13-22; Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 21:18-21) By the time Jesus was on earth, the judicial function was handled by the Sanhedrin, the Jewish high court. In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. Where this prevails, a Christian must decide how to respond when directed to report for jury duty. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovah's witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. (1 Pet. 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. 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. 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." (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). That's how I feel. Each time I explained to the court that I felt in good conscience that I wouldn't make a good juror as I was a JW and to judge a person was not up to me but up to God. When most people think of a jury, they have in mind a panel of 12 citizens at a trial?either a civil dispute or a criminal case?who hear testimony to decide guilt or innocence. Other lands used juries made up of citizens. ?Matthew 5:41. In a short answer, yes, and employer can require proof of jury duty. (Matthew 22:17-21) If Caesar says that citizens must give of their time and efforts to clean roads or perform other work that is among Caesars functions, each Christian must decide whether to submit.Matthew 5:41. - The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a. I kind of agree with you, but I think it is a matter of civic duty, and I am happy to do my part after so many years of thinking it was all evil in the JWs. 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. 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. Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. 5:12, 13. (Luke 20:25) In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. What of a common trial? wrote the letter to the courts. Her in NC you only get paid I think $12/day but most employers still pay you your salary. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. For instance, in some places capital punishment is a possible or mandatory sentence for a person found guilty of certain crimes. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. Even if you are called to jury duty, it does not necessarily mean you will serve. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. The state is there to serve God for your benefit. Jury duty within the past year. My understanding was always that they could as long as the death penalty wasn't an issue. The case that prompted Wednesday's ruling involved two women, now 32 and 21, who allege a family member sexually abused them and a third family member in Thompson Falls in the 1990s and 2000s. (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar. as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to ?take a stand against it? Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of Gods Word in reaching a verdict. Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of God?s Word in reaching a verdict. An employee is entitled to paid time off without charge to leave for service as a juror or witness. Any adult Canadian citizen can be considered for jury duty. "Their national headquarters, called Watchtower, they control when and if anyone within their organization reports child abuse," Smith said. 1973 (Personal matterbut WTS says to refuse to be on a jury). 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 Gods minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad." For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someone?s being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. English. But of course, we were "encouraged" not to be involved for some reason or other. Do you not judge those inside [the Christian congregation], while God judges those outside? Here & Now Compass Which item does not have a food-contact surface? He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. Animated videos that teach children to listen & obey their parents & God. Civil suits or fraud etc. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. 27-29 Questions From Readers ***. 13:1-7, The Jerusalem Bible. Will require a letter from superior. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. 99.9% of Witnesses will write a letter to the courts asking that they be exempted from service due to religious convictions (such as not sitting in judgment of another person especially as all. The Bible does not mention jury duty, so he cannot say, ?It is against my religion to serve on any jury.? I never wanted to do it until the OJ trial. Paul wrote: "It is God?s minister to you for your good. It was felt that since they knew the accused, their judgment would be fairer than procedures in which he tried to prove his innocence by combat or by surviving some ordeal. How do JW's get out of it??? Some jurors have consulted horoscopes, given in to personal prejudice or yielded to pressures from others in making a decision. They generally do not feel they should, but it is their favorite hobby! (Exodus 22:2; Deuteronomy 21:8; 22:8; Jeremiah 2:34; Matthew 23:35; Acts 18:6) At Jesus? Your jury vote gets diluted by 12, and in many courts a sole vote can hang a jury. During the trial she realized that on her job at the hospital she had seen X rays of the victim, which were rejected as evidence at the trial. He told the elders. 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. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. What was clear was that if he refused it, the WTBTS would not pay his legal costs. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. This is something I'm looking forward to in a lot of ways just for the "new experience" it will give me. 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. For example, in 1966 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld a Christian who refused jury duty. He was picked. It was felt that since they knew the accused, their judgment would be fairer than procedures in which he tried to prove his innocence by combat or by surviving some ordeal. Jehovah's Witnesses teach that battles recounted in Hebrew scripture, such as the conquest of Jericho, and the divinely sanctioned military manoeuvres against surrounding nations were attempts to re-establish true religion by attempting to eliminate all traces of Canaanite religion. It is closer to the situation of Daniels three companions. Other Christians, though, have decided otherwise. I helped him research the advice, and I found the 1997 article above (current light). *** w97 4/1 pp. Under the New Covenant, God clearly states that . ?Daniel 3:16-18. A non-exempt employee will be granted leave with pay for actual time spent on witness duty and in related travel if subpoenaed to be a witness in an administrative or legal proceeding not involving Berkeley Lab or UC. by freddi We discuss the top three things that identify the Jehovah's Witnesses as collective narcissists: 1) Persecution Complex 2) Belief that they are the only true religion 3) They believe they are. Trial by jury existed also in the Roman Republic, though this was abolished under the emperors. 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. This is a research tool for publications in various languages produced by Jehovah's Witnesses. by HappyDad What they did thereafter was another matter, as the Bible shows.Daniel 3:16-18. After Gods servants ceased to be under the Mosaic Law, they had to deal with secular courts in various lands. Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY. "Hopefully that message is loud enough that this will cause the organization to change its priorities in a way that they will begin prioritizing the safety of children so that other children aren't abused in the future," attorney Neil Smith said Thursday. How come it's only people who don't want it that get it? In 2012, a jury awarded Conti $28 million, believed to be the largest . I love how you guys come up with a thorough answer so quickly! Crossposted, but at least Ynot has confirmed that I am always right. My first trial, murder. Since registering to vote 2 years ago, I have been called on the pool three times and had to go in once. (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. 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. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. WhatistheattitudeofJehovah'sWitnessestowardjuryduty?U.S.A. In lands where what is called "civil law" prevails, legal cases (both criminal and civil) are usually heard and decided on by a single professional judge, or by a panel of justices. This is the time to speak up if one has a conscientious reason for not serving because of the nature of that case. Everybody knows that demons are known to infest people who sit on a jury. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. The Jews readily said: "His blood come upon us and upon our children. I remembered vaguely about not being able to serve on a jury as a JW. He had a change of heart. "There's a strange validation that came from that. The second passage pertains to a case of wrongdoing in the Corinthian congregation. Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. 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). When a summons is issued by the court to be a part of a certain trial. Christians do not ?oppose the authority? Serve on jury duty. latest Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. It's amazing the system works at all considering how many people are trying to get out of it. 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. (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus? Marriage and Family. So, what is your experience and opinion of the judicial process if you've ever done jury duty? 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 anyone?s guilt. Some may automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent. In the state of Georgia, any person 70 years of age or older is entitled to make a request to the board of jury commissioners or its clerk in writing, accompanied by an affidavit giving the person's name, age, and such other information as the board may require, in order to be excluded from further jury duty. (John 15:19; Isa. As for time, the first time it was a waste of two days. A judge must review the penalty, and the Jehovah's Witnesses' national organization Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York plans to appeal. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. "?1 Cor. The rules are not quite as important as loyalty to the organization. John 2:1-11. Court may postpone jury service to another term. (Mark 15:1; Acts 5:27-34) There was no provision for the average Jew to be on a civil jury. Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. (Gen. 9:5,6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows Gods thinking even when the law of the land differs. Such "stand placed in their relative positions by God," and they make and enforce laws. Then the government uses its authority "to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," or "to inflict punishment on evildoers. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. . The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a congregation member, a jury ruled in a verdict. But even if you live where such juries are not used, you can profitably consider the question, for some of the relevant Bible principles can apply to you if you are asked to "judge" in a dispute on your job or to "mediate" some dispute in your neighborhood. 14:1-4, 10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1 Corinthians 5:12?6:8. a. jw Surgeons highly value and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high . (Daniel 3:1-12; Luke 2:1-4) There are, though, factors that sincere Christians can consider. All rights reserved. They can actually investigate things. What to do? For more than two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at . and receive judgment. Will require an attendance sheet to verify jury service. The legal requirements for serving on a jury and the provisions for exemption vary from place to place. In some lands, the judicial system uses juries selected from the citizenry. Two women who were sexually abused as children say the Jehovah's Witnesses failed to report their abuser to authorities in Montana, and instead expelled him from the congregation as punishment until he repented. This is very true. A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. Jose Serrano, 69, of Lancaster County is alleged to have molested six young girls, including his own daughter, in 2011. 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. 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. Some Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. Study psychology, philosophy, sociology, and viewpoints that might shake their faith 51. 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. : Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. 1978 (Personal matters but WTS discourages jury duty). Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. Other Christians, though, have decided otherwise. . Christians strive to mind their own business, not getting involved in "other peoples matters." 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 women say they reported the abuse to church elders, who handled the matter internally after consulting with the national organization. Still, most people have only a vague idea of how juries are selected and what they do. All rights reserved. I will post my experience of the process..pro or con at that time. friends. Next day he went back to the judge and told him he was a JW. This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar.
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