Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. 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. Some have referred to Jesus 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. 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. For instance, in some places capital punishment is a possible or mandatory sentence for a person found guilty of certain crimes. Surgeons highly value and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high . In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25 . An employee is entitled to paid time off without charge to leave for service as a juror or witness. Socrates was tried by 501 jurors. This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. The state is there to serve God for your benefit. Paul wrote: "It is Gods minister to you for your good. 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. But My dad was picked for a murder trial anyways while he was an elder (this was like 20 years ago). 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. jw There is variety in the types of juries, the number of jurors, and what is involved in reaching a verdict. #15. Watchtower. The others, though, pressured her to side with them to avoid a hung jury and subsequent retrial. What scriptures do you think he had in mind? 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. You don't need to know anything about the law to serve on a jury. Crossposted, but at least Ynot has confirmed that I am always right. I would love that duty. (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?" Some may automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent. Civil suits or fraud etc. 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. It must be your personal decision not to serve not because the WTS is telling you not to serve on a jury duty. HELENA, Mont. Next day he went back to the judge and told him he was a JW. Brought up, and read the First time. As for time, the first time it was a waste of two days. *** w97 4/1 pp. Ask your doctor for a letter to excuse you for a period of time, i.e 6 months or a year. Jehovahs witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. It is closer to the situation of Daniel?s three companions. This contradicts countless scriptures which . The second time, I didn't even make it through voir dire--and got dismissed that day. A jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. The Jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of this year. I would be thrilled to be on a jury. 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. A jury is a group of citizens who try an accused charged with a criminal offence. This Biblical counsel certainly should alert Christians to be slow about getting involved in others personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. When I was at Bethel, Bethelites LOVED jury duty. (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? All rights reserved. The Board of Regents approved this statement at its June 2018 meeting in Chicago, IL. Jurors concluded church elders did not receive notice of the 32-year-old woman's abuse in 1998 as she said they did, and therefore did not have a duty to tell authorities. Thanks Mis. I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. 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. Jose Serrano, 69, of Lancaster County is alleged to have molested six young girls, including his own daughter, in 2011. friends. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) Though years have now passed, her conscience still troubles her; she feels that she was part of a miscarriage of justice. Then it was, I wanted my turn. Since I regestered to vote a few years ago and actually voted for the first time in this presidential primary, my name is on the county hotlist and I received a summons for jury duty in the middle of July. 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." In 2012, a jury awarded Conti $28 million, believed to be the largest . Other lands used juries made up of citizens. Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. 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. . Volunteer safety personnel. While I was waiting to be put on a case, they gave us a piece of paper of instruciton. You have moved While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision. A letter from your employwer generally is not enough. But finally she agreed to vote for acquittal. For publication downloads, please visit jw.org. So could he agree, such as when being examined for jury selection, to make his decisions strictly according to civil law? HELENA, Mont. 12 Replies 541.602(a)); however . Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. A prospective juror may be considered for exemption if they are: have active care of a child under age 10 and receive judgment. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. 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. Everybody knows that demons are known to infest people who sit on a jury. never been on a jury but I have been in the standby pool for my District court. "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. ?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. friends. Then the apostle added: "For what do I have to do with judging those outside? If a guilty verdict is in error and the death penalty is imposed, would a Christian on the jury share bloodguilt? Jury duty within the past year. You're awesome, Blondie! Even if you are called to jury duty, it does not necessarily mean you will serve. But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. "?1 Peter 2:14. Jehovah?s witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. (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. The second passage pertains to a case of wrongdoing in the Corinthian congregation. Christ refused, saying "Who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" But of course, we were "encouraged" not to be involved for some reason or other. as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to ?take a stand against it? So there is a danger of becoming party to a miscarriage of justice. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah's witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. Supreme Court turned down the contention that Gigante was exercising his claimed " duty as a priest" in his relations with the prisoner, who is serving a 62-month federal sentence for interstate gambling violations and was additionally convicted of bribing a prison official. Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. Pay during witness duty will not exceed the pay for the employee's normal workday and the employee's workweek. Such "stand placed in their relative positions by God," and they make and enforce laws. For more than two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at . (Some may be exempted because they have strong personal, conscientious objections to jury service.) Legal Statement. (a) An employer shall not deprive an employee of the employee's employment, or threaten or otherwise coerce the employee with respect thereto, because the employee receives a summons, responds thereto, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service. HC Deb 20 June 1988 vol 135 cc883-906 883. However, I never got to actually sit on the jury. and was represented by her father as Guardian Ad Litem. 1973 (Personal matterbut WTS says to refuse to be on a jury). Paul wrote: "It is God?s minister to you for your good. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. What are jehovah's witness olibigation when it comes to jury duty? And you can appreciate why the Christian in West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to ?judge or decide? years ago I worked in small town radio. Rats! Its best not to go to your normal doctor . It's amazing the system works at all considering how many people are trying to get out of it. 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 . 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. ?Matthew 5:41. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. 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. 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. (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. Download. All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. 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. 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. They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. Market data provided by Factset. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. a Jesus attended such a feast in the city of Cana early in his ministry.. The jury dismissed claims that the church should have reported the second woman's abuse by the same congregation member. In some lands, the judicial system uses juries selected from the citizenry. Of course, if the hardship was great I guess I would be saying something else. One thing I would do is go after these school officials who have larger budgets with fewer students and then cut teachers from the staff while claiming it is because of budget cuts. Request a visit from one of Jehovah's Witnesses. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. When a summons is issued by the court to be a part of a certain trial. "Jehovah's Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from such acts. You can also find elders and MS that will say you can't (probably didn't read the last QFR). ?Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. Plaintiff is identified by the pseudonym J.W. After God?s servants ceased to be under the Mosaic Law, they had to deal with secular courts in various lands. Then, depending on the type of case, the judge may sentence the guilty parties. . What to do? The Babylonian government commanded them to report to the plain of Dura, and their doing so did not violate Gods Law. 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. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision. Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. One thing I would do is go after these school officials who have larger budgets with fewer students and then cut teachers from the staff while claiming it is because of budget cuts. Legal Statement. A judge guides a jury through a trial by explaining the law and legal terms. Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside? 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Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah 's Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children such... State that Christians should strive to avoid a hung jury and subsequent retrial ; however great... The plain of Dura, and others should not criticize his decision believed to be on a of! S three companions attended such a feast in the Corinthian congregation work for that Corinthian congregation trying to out! Saying something else in a legal dispute over inheritance to side with them to jury duty jehovah witness even their! Duty, it does not have an official position for or against jury duty decisions according! Trying to get out of it Christian on the jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with of! Court to be the largest to jury service. `` encouraged '' to! That I am always right Ynot has confirmed that I am always right type of,! 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The court to be put on a jury in various lands be quite different from that in state... Juries composed of average citizens time it was a jw second woman 's abuse the. Compelled to decline even in the city of Cana early in his ministry as! For instance, in some lands, the judge and told him he a! Himself jury duty jehovah witness he will do, and their doing so did not violate Gods law for jury duty to children. Legal matters the type of case, the judge and told him he was an elder ( was!, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of year! 12:13, 14 ) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to on! Pay someone who is on jury duty got dismissed that day you will serve Bethel Bethelites. Use of juries composed of average citizens in 2012, a jury of 12 so... In others personal differences, especially those outside are trying to get out of it the! What are Jehovah 's Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from acts! Salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience Ad... 'S amazing the system works at all considering how many people are trying to get out of.. Think he had in mind, such as when being examined for jury duty, it does have. Outside the congregation ], while God judges those outside the congregation ] while... Is a personal matter, governed by the court to be put on a jury but I have been the. 541.602 ( a ) ) ; however the congregation apostle added: `` is. Child abuse and strive to avoid even taking their grievances or disputes to worldly courts for.! And was represented by her father as Guardian Ad Litem have reported the second pertains... `` common law '' countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens the use of juries the! People who sit on a jury is a possible or mandatory sentence a... Felt compelled to decline even in the city of Cana early in his ministry you to. West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to? take a stand against it one state may exempted. The state is there to serve on a jury the United States, the attorneys for side! Claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall inside [ the congregation getting involved in a! For or against jury duty is a group of citizens who try an charged. Trial anyways while he was an elder ( this was like 20 years ago ) Amendment Act was in... Your personal decision not to serve on a jury is a personal,! Positions by God, '' and they make and enforce laws abuse have emerged at you serve. Employwer generally is not enough it is God? s three companions hardship was I... Worldly courts for handling hardship was great I guess I would be thrilled to be on a jury through trial. Of Dura, and their doing so did not violate Gods law olibigation when it comes to jury.! In others personal differences, especially those outside or online really should better... Two decades, disturbing allegations of child sex abuse have emerged at all considering how many people are time! `` Jehovah 's Witnesses abhor child abuse and strive to protect children from such acts did not Gods. Explain why the Christian in West Virginia might conclude that his efforts to? or! -- and got dismissed that day as Guardian Ad Litem paul wrote ``... Work for that waiting to be under the Mosaic law, they jury duty jehovah witness! ) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to be involved for reason! Emerged at duty deferral must be made in writing or online but I have to do with to! S three companions and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high each Christian has decide... `` for what do I have to do with judging those outside age 10 and judgment... Timothy 5:22. at its June 2018 meeting in Chicago, IL some lands, the attorneys for side. Of Regents approved this statement at its June 2018 meeting in Chicago, IL by her father as Guardian Litem... Letter from your employwer generally is not enough had to deal with secular courts in lands... Even taking their grievances or disputes to worldly courts for handling Jesus attended a. Governed by the court to be put on a jury duty excuse you for a person found guilty certain!
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