Oh, what a relief it is

[gerisullivan]

"If the first three letters of your last name are S-U-L, press 1."

[beep for the 1]

"Your request for postponement of jury duty has been granted. You will be summoned [later]."

Thank Ghod.

And thank ghod I decided to call now rather than wait until "ten days prior to the date printed on your summons" as instructed. 'Cause I didn't want to spend until Christmas Day wondering whether I was going to be spending the first two months of 2009 in what promised to be an impossible situation on multiple levels. I didn't want to be 800 or 1300 miles away in the middle of a vacation, waiting to know one way or the other.

Relief. That's what it is. Relief.

Comments

[gerisullivan.livejournal.com]

Be careful what you wish for. I was in the same boat until 3-4 months ago, when Massachusetts called me. I was happy for that -- it was long overdue, being, as you clearly and visibly on the books for 25+ years.

It was the Federal summons that knocked me for a loop. I take serving very seriously, but I also take remaining in business seriously, too. The federal system seems custom-made to wreak havoc with my ability to conduct business in the ways my clients expect, and there are times of the year that it simply won't work for me at all. So they of course called me for one of those.

I am profoundly grateful that they granted my deferral request.

[bohemiancoast.livejournal.com]

Obviously all is different in the UK, but I live in London, which means being called for the Old Bailey and a good chance that '2 weeks' jury service will actually be several months.

So I was pleasantly surprised to find a large, agreeable jury waiting room with WiFi, plenty of places to plug in laptops, good mobile coverage. Basically, apart from the four or so hours you're actually in court each day, I could have managed most of my job from there.

[gerisullivan.livejournal.com]

That was true of my experience with the Massachusetts system. Well, I don't know about the wifi, but they allowed you to use your cell phones and computers. I was amazed, in all good ways.

The Feds are the opposite: "Beverages, cellular phones, computers or any other electronic equipment are not allowed in the Federal Courthouse."

I was lucky I didn't receive a Federal Grand Jury service summons. That's only 1 day a week, but it lasts for 18 months!