This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. 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. by freddi Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office has launched a grand jury investigation into how the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses have handled reports of sexual abuse in their congregations. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. Christ refused, saying "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" The Adventist movement emerged in the 1830s around the . Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. 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. Video lessons designed to help parents train their children to become Jehovah's friend. The group needs to be reduced to the number who will actually sit through the trial of that case. Being one of JWs is not enough to get you out of jury duty. I sat in several trials taking notes as a reporter. The jury dismissed claims that the church should have reported the second woman's abuse by the same congregation member. Audio. 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. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. God?s people recognize Jehovah as the Supreme Judge. 5:12, 13. "Their national headquarters, called Watchtower, they control when and if anyone within their organization reports child abuse," Smith said. latest Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. A jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. ONLINE LIBRARY. Will require an attendance sheet to verify jury service. Having the. Not all reporting for jury duty necessarily sit as jurors in a trial. Witness leaders said in a statement that they "welcome an opportunity to explain our beliefs and practices to government officials.". Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. friends. by beksbks . Her in NC you only get paid I think $12/day but most employers still pay you your salary. There is variety in the types of juries, the number of jurors, and what is involved in reaching a verdict. He went on to state that Christians should strive to avoid even taking their grievances or disputes to worldly courts for handling. If a guilty verdict is in error and the death penalty is imposed, would a Christian on the jury share bloodguilt? The legal requirements for serving on a jury and the provisions for exemption vary from place to place. (John 15:19; Isa. Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. 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. It is something to consider. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. jw The Jews readily said: "His blood come upon us and upon our children. What if a Christian does not feel that his conscience permits him to serve on a particular jury? A letter from your employwer generally is not enough. : Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? The Jews readily said: "His blood come upon us and upon our children. 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. Juries are an important part of the criminal justice system in America. I don't see how they could actually get out of it. It's all good. A jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision.Galatians 6:5. During my 38 yrs as a witness I was called to jury duty three times. What to do? I would find out what rat hole they are pouring the money in to and then indict the rats. To avoid undue hardship, an agency may adjust the . 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. The use of juries is not universal. 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. A professional judge guided them on points of evidence. The state is there to serve God for your benefit. 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 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. I would love to serve. (Mark 15:1; Acts 5:27-34) There was no provision for the average Jew to be on a civil jury. A judge guides a jury through a trial by explaining the law and legal terms. 33 Replies [612-25] Protection of jurors' employment. A mature Christian would also reflect on whether he would share any responsibility for the sentence rendered by judges. Secular courts are a function of "the superior authorities." It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong.Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. A part of it read that religious convictions was not an adequate excuse to be exempt from Jury Duty. The lawsuit claimed the local and national Jehovah's Witnesses organizations were negligent and violated a Montana law that requires them to report abuse to outside authorities. What of a common trial? How old would you be if you graduated high school in 1977? You can also have a say in putting away thugs who prey on people. "Watchtower instructed everyone involved that they were not to report the matter to authorities. What if a Christian does not feel that his conscience permits him to serve on a particular jury? 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. . Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. (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. Attend other Christian churches . 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. There is variety in the types of juries, the number of jurors, and what is involved in reaching a verdict. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. This contradicts many Scriptures which clearly declare Jesus to be God ( John 1:1, 14, 8:58, 10:30 ). Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. It is a research tool for publications in various languages produced by Jehovah's Witnesses. *** w97 4/1 pp. You don't always know what kind of a case you Pay every government official what he has a right to ask?whether it be direct tax or indirect, fear or honour."?Rom. response may have moved the man to use the method for settling disputes that was set out in God?s Law. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) 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. Volunteer safety personnel. He has been charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Endangering . latest Animated videos that teach children to listen & obey their parents & God. Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of Gods Word in reaching a verdict. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1997, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1973. For publication downloads, please visit jw.org. Pay during witness duty will not exceed the pay for the employee's normal workday and the employee's workweek. Paul wrote: "It is God?s minister to you for your good. In some lands, civil and criminal cases are decided by a professional judge or a panel of judges. "?Matthew 27:24, 25. I was looking forward to it. know that I have requested exemption. a. 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. 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. He asked the elders for advice and they told him to look it up himself. Will require a letter from superior. All rights reserved. (Exodus 22:2; Deuteronomy 21:8; 22:8; Jeremiah 2:34; Matthew 23:35; Acts 18:6) At Jesus? . (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 Caesar?s functions, each Christian must decide whether to submit. At times explaining one?s position to the clerk of the court or the judge may lead to one?s name being removed from the list of prospective jurors. Thu., Sept. 27, 2018. Sometimes they recommend which sentence stipulated by law should be applied. ?Galatians 6:5. my dad was once called on for jury duty, thankfully jehovah saw fit to break his leg when the congregation went ice skating, so he got out of it on medical grounds. Crossposted, but at least Ynot has confirmed that I am always right. (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. . (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. 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. This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. When confronted with an opportunity to handle a legal dispute, their Exemplar the Lord Jesus Christ turned it down, saying: "Who appointed me judge or . Under the age of 18 Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. (Daniel 3:1-12; Luke 2:1-4) There are, though, factors that sincere Christians can consider. Such "stand placed in their relative positions by God," and they make and enforce laws. That's how I feel. The ceremony may be followed by a social gathering, or reception, which may include a meal. To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.". When confronted with an opportunity to handle a legal dispute, their Exemplar the Lord Jesus Christ turned it down, saying: "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" . My first trial, murder. A legal challenge to that law is pending before the Montana Supreme Court. To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. Similarly, in a coroner?s jury (jury of inquest), the jurors weigh evidence to decide whether a crime was committed. what part of the country are you in ! They can actually investigate things. The Babylonian government commanded them to report to the plain of Dura, and their doing so did not violate Gods Law. The third family member who claimed abuse was not a plaintiff in the lawsuit. Our Savior's answer is, "Judge not that you be not judged. 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 consequences?be that a fine or imprisonment. 49.Serve on jury duty 50. ! 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. The nurse, having studied the Bible with Jehovah?s Witnesses, resisted for days. 5:12, 13. English. In a criminal case, they are to determine whether the evidence supports a guilty verdict. 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. 1973 (Personal matterbut WTS says to refuse to be on a jury). So, even though I'm a little excited and looking forward to it at this time, my real opinion will come out after it is over. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a "hung jury" and subsequent retrial. (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. - 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. How do JW's get out of it??? Jury duty is a right and a privilege, but there are some reasons people are excused from jury duty. The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. You don't need to know anything about the law to serve on a jury. "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. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. (John 15:19; Isa. 14:1-4, 10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1 Corinthians 5:12?6:8. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. 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. So getting an overview will be helpful whether you face jury duty or not. (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? Paul wrote: "It is Gods minister to you for your good. You will need to provide a letter from your superior. Surgeons highly value and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high . Under the New Covenant, God clearly states that . MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah's witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. I recently served on a Jury panel for a court case. If so guilty if not not guilty. Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. In many states and in Wisconsin especially for the last 25 years at least, DL records have been used to keep the jury pool diverse and just to have enough people to call. I would love that duty. 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. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. A former Jehovah's Witness is using stolen documents to expose allegations that the religion has kept hidden for decades. The amount was later reduced to $15.6 million, including $8.6 million in punitive damages. The legal requirements for serving on a jury and the provisions for exemption vary from place to place. In balancing factors, Christians should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar. personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. 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. I thought that they got the names for jury duty off poll registrations for voting. Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. Still, some persons have reasoned that the local or national government is "taxing" one?s time in requiring any qualified citizen to serve briefly as a juror. (AP) 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. The judge will dismiss any whose impartiality may be questioned because of possible interest in the case. I was seated once, then they excused me because of a work conflict. For example, in the United States, a grand jury of from 12 to 23 members decides whether there is enough evidence for a person to be indicted for a criminal offense; it does not determine guilt or innocence. In some lands, the judicial system uses juries selected from the citizenry. The group needs to be reduced to the number who will actually sit through the trial of that case. He counseled: "You must all obey the governing authorities. 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. Given the divergence among the various states with regards to this subject matter, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the prevailing rules before setting out. I would love that duty. A professional judge guided them on points of evidence. It's amazing the system works at all considering how many people are trying to get out of it. When you vote in an election your vote gets diluted by thousands or millions. In a headline-making decision, a California jury awarded her $28 million, the largest verdict against the organization at the time. 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. What to do? When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, (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?" For example, in the United States, a grand jury of from 12 to 23 members decides whether there is enough evidence for a person to be indicted for a criminal offense; it does not determine guilt or innocence. Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? do witnesses participate in jury duty? Only someone with a documented medical problem may be excused permanently from service. a Jesus attended such a feast in the city of Cana early in his ministry.. A Montana law caps punitive damage awards at 3 percent of a company's net worth or $10 million, whichever is less. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. What is the moral lesson of at wars end by rony diaz? For example, in 1966 the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld a Christian who refused jury duty. `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.] Some Christians have viewed jury service as rendering to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. It is the civic duty of all Canadian citizens 18 years of . Jury duty is mandatory for all summoned citizens unless excused. by HappyDad Request a visit from one of Jehovah's Witnesses. In the event of absences due to jury duty, witness duty, or temporary military duty, if an employee works any part of a week and misses the rest of the week for jury, witness, or military duty, he or she must receive the full salary for the workweek, but if they miss a full week, no pay is due for that week (see 29 C.F.R. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. I have been through it twice. 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. Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of God?s Word in reaching a verdict. Depending on local law, others?such as doctors, clergymen, lawyers, or owners of small businesses?may claim exemption. Sounds right up their alley. Then the government uses its authority "to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad," or "to inflict punishment on evildoers. Occasionally, an individual is permanently excused for religious reasons, such as a Jehovah's Witness who believes he or she cannot sit in judgment of others. After a number of days, a persons jury duty is fulfilled, whether he has actually sat as a juror or not. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) Depending on the case, he might state that serving on the jury for a particular case is against his personal conscience. (Matt. So there is a danger of becoming party to a miscarriage of justice. Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. This view is of interest to Christians because of what the apostle Paul wrote about governmental superior authorities. He counseled: You must all obey the governing authorities. Then, depending on the type of case, the judge may sentence the guilty parties. Of course, if the hardship was great I guess I would be saying something else. 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 . g80 1/22 pp. I was summoned once. 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. The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. "There's a strange validation that came from that. Paul directed the brothers to expel the wrongdoer. and receive judgment. 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. It is closer to the situation of Daniel?s three companions. (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jesus is Michael the archangel, the highest created being. Thus it can be seen why serving on a jury might lead to serious conflicts of conscience. 28 U.S.C.A. The second passage pertains to a case of wrongdoing in the Corinthian congregation. friends. 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." 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. 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." Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. What was clear was that if he refused it, the WTBTS would not pay his legal costs. 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. Sometimes they recommend which sentence stipulated by law should be applied. (Deuteronomy 1:16, 17) Valid as such points are, responding to a direction to report for jury duty is different from involving oneself in the business of others. Then the judge identifies the parties and their attorneys and describes the nature of the case. But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. 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. 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. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. I never wanted to do it until the OJ trial. Use one of the following options to contact Jehovah's Witnesses in your area. #15. "1 Peter 2:14. (1 Pet. Sometimes life gets busy, and jury duty can seem like an unnecessary inconvenience in your schedule. Market data provided by Factset. 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. years ago I worked in small town radio. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. (West Virginia vs Everly). . Fax : 803-765-5283. 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? However, I would rather spend the time on jury duty than having to go to the Grand Boasting Session. English. (Rom. If any Jehovah's Witness is deemed to be an apostate, she or he will be disfellowshipped. I did n't even make it jury duty jehovah witness voir dire -- and got dismissed that day are a function ``... Actually sit through the trial of that case officially and does not mention jury duty necessarily sit as in... Consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar advance directives with their General Practitioner should... ; countries is the use of juries, the Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1997, the situation of Daniel? law... Can consider a Witness i was still undergoing Chemo treatments and did n't even make it through voir dire and! As jurors in a trial clearly States that works at all considering how many people are trying to get out!, so he can not say, it is the use of juries, judge... The use of juries, the largest verdict against the organization at the time on jury duty letter! Same congregation member 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence from service. who me!, there was an error loading the video to and then indict the rats or energy to attend s... 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