I am patriotic. I was a Girl Scout. My minister just reminded us of duty and service. I was quite open to being a juror.
It's just that I have been assigned to a courthouse that is virtually impossible for me to get to via public transportation. I'd have to take one train into the city, wait about 40 minutes and take a connecting train to a suburban stop, and then take a 17 minute walk to the courthouse. That's 2 1/2 hours each way. Or I could take a $30 Uber. That's $30 each way.
Cook County has, I believe, eight circuit court locations. Three are easily accessible by train. One more wouldn't be too great a hassle. Yet the computer randomly assigned me to the courthouse farthest away.
I followed the directions on the summons and explained in writing (I can't call) that:
• I don't drive, and worrying about public transportation that includes a connection and a 17 minute walk in unpredictable January weather is causing me great stress (I printed out the Google Maps itinerary for them)
• I am a retiree on a fixed income and the rideshare cost is prohibitive
I sent all this via UPS, signature required, so that I don't get held in contempt of court if my envelope gets lost. That cost $18. I resent this expense.
You know what else I resent? I had lunch with my friend Elaine yesterday. She's been a Cook County resident and registered voter for more than 40 years. She has never been called. My kid sister is a lifelong Cook County resident and a registered voter for more than 30 years. She has been called once. I could go on and on, listing friends and acquaintances who have either been called once or not at all.
This is my sixth jury summons.
I wish I had this kind of luck with the Illinois State Lottery.
I have only been called twice and was not chosen either time because of my work with the newspaper. I can't imagine a county big enough to have 8 circuit courts! But it does not seem fair that you are not assigned to the court closest to you.
ReplyDeleteOur country is big like that and though there is a court system in our city, I have to go to the big one in Riverside. We only have one car and we take grandkids to and from school. So hubby will have to take me and pick me up. I start the 9th. I was called in before Covid. My hubby got out of it for medical reasons. I do my civic duty. Post and update. If you have had a lot of medical issues, maybe you can get out of it?
ReplyDeleteOh my word! I just received a jury questionnaire, too!
ReplyDelete