How to be Exempt from Jury Duty in Missouri if You're a Woman

Submitted by eristoddle on July 13, 2009 - 12:54pm

I thought I would add this little tidbit I found in the Missouri Constitution since my wife recently had to sit jury duty. In fact, she is there right now and I am home with the kids.
You see, an employer can't fire me if I get called for jury duty, but if my wife does and she is a stay at home mom because we choose to raise our own kids, the employer can do as he pleases. Since they put me in a precarious position, I figured I would pass this on to those who may be facing a similar situation.

Female jurors--optional exemption.
Section 22(b). No citizen shall be disqualified from jury service because of sex, but the court shall excuse any woman who requests exemption therefrom before being sworn as a juror.
And here is where you can read it for yourself: http://www.moga.mo.gov/const/A01022b.HTM

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This is a great problem for many people. Our daughter has been called for Jury Duty. She too would have a great hardship if she gets picked. I told her what ever it took we would help her. Not everyone understands what  it's like to stand before a Jury to prove your innocence, I do. People need family and friends to make it in this world. The courts don't understand the needs of the people, they just move to the next case. This is a good blog!!!   xox 

Submitted by ELISA on July 14, 2009 - 6:39am.

U.S. Supreme Court input:
In Duren v. Missouri, a Missouri statute allowed an automatic exemption for any woman requesting not to serve, with the result that women made up less than sixteen percent of the Missouri jury venires. While recognizing the state’s interest in ensuring that family members responsible for the care of children could remain at home, the Supreme Court concluded that this interest did not justify the Missouri statute. The Court advised the states that they might more precisely tailor an exemption for the child care provider (whom the Court viewed as a woman) that would survive constitutional challenge.
Also refer to this:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4185/is_20080101/ai_n21188726/

Submitted by civil on July 13, 2009 - 2:58pm.

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Why would a proud American want to get out of jury duty?????????

Submitted by mminnoe on July 13, 2009 - 1:04pm.