But if you are doing what is bad, be in fear: for it is not without purpose that it bears the sword; for it is Gods minister, an avenger to express wrath upon the one practicing what is bad." 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. Even as a dub I thought jury duty would be a "different" experience. . (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? God?s people recognize Jehovah as the Supreme Judge. Then the apostle added: For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Sometimes they recommend which sentence stipulated by law should be applied. 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." 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. Fax : 803-765-5283. Similarly, in a coroner?s jury (jury of inquest), the jurors weigh evidence to decide whether a crime was committed. A jury of 12 or so persons hears the evidence and determines guilt or innocence. 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. juries as now exist under Anglo-American law. This is a petit (small) jury, in contrast with a grand jury. Jury legislation has a long history which we describe in paragraphs 2.2-2.7. The Babylonian government commanded them to report to the plain of Dura, and their doing so did not violate Gods Law. (Matt. Jehovah's Witnesses believe salvation is obtained by a combination of faith, good works, and obedience. He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. Legal Statement. friends. I've already done the preliminary questionaire online and have to check (also online) the day before my scheduled appearance date to see if I must show up or if it has been cancelled. This was far more than the usual $3 per day. Her in NC you only get paid I think $12/day but most employers still pay you your salary. Similarly, in a coroners jury (jury of inquest), the jurors weigh evidence to decide whether a crime was committed. It has been reasoned that all citizens benefit from courts and so should be willing to be jurors, even as all benefit from other governmental services and so should pay taxes for these. 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. Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. The Associated Press generally does not name people who say they are a victim of a sex crime. Welcome. "?1 Cor. Besides that, it is also common knowledge that beheadings are very frequent among those who are on a jury. Civil suits or fraud etc. and was represented by her father as Guardian Ad Litem. I think I should call a few people here for "jury duty.". 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. All Dating & Courtship Marriage Managing Money Communication Raising Children Raising Teenagers. trial Pilate wanted to be "innocent of the blood of this man." He was picked. 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. #15. This is something I'm looking forward to in a lot of ways just for the "new experience" it will give me. What of a common trial? OK jury duty no problem for me on a Christian level it's not my business to decide guilt inocence or sentence. 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. (1 Corinthians 6:1) He defended himself in the Roman judicial setting, even appealing his case to Caesar. "There's a strange validation that came from that. 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. EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE. In a criminal case, they are to determine whether the evidence supports a guilty verdict. The elders expelled the abuser from the congregation in 2004 then reinstated him the next year, the lawsuit states, and the abuse of the girl who is now 21 continued. 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. ?Matthew 5:41. 12 Replies Even in other ways, might this sort of problem arise for a Christian juror? (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus response may have moved the man to use the method for settling disputes that was set out in Gods Law. When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. 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. 13:1-7, The Jerusalem Bible. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah's witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. (Romans 13:7) That is straightforward as to a monetary tax. Elsewhere, what is known as common law prevails, and juries are part of the judicial process. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.". At least three grand jury witnesses said investigators want to question governing body members, who work out of the organization . In balancing factors, Christians should consider whether they can submit to certain demands made by Caesar. Watchtower is pursuing appellate review," it said. 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. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. Depending on local law, otherssuch as doctors, clergymen, lawyers, or owners of small businessesmay claim exemption. (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?" Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. HELENA A Montana jury has ruled that the Jehovah's Witnesses organization must pay $34 million to a woman who says the church covered up her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a . jw (Isaiah 33:22) In ancient Israel, experienced men who were upright and impartial served as judges to resolve disputes and decide questions of law. Any adult Canadian citizen can be considered for jury duty. Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. He has to analyze the legal evidence put forward in the legal hearing and give an unbiased decision. jehovahisgod, Feb 21, 2017. jw That's how I feel. Legal Statement. friends. I remembered vaguely about not being able to serve on a jury as a JW. In lands where what is called "civil law" prevails, legal cases (both criminal and civil) are usually heard and decided on by a single professional judge, or by a panel of justices. Marriage and Family. (Mark 15:1; Acts 5:27-34) There was no provision for the average Jew to be on a civil jury. It's amazing the system works at all considering how many people are trying to get out of it. 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. It is not as if secular courts are fundamentally wrong. A juror is an employee called for the duty as a member of the jury. "Matthew 27:24, 25. When a summons is issued by the court to be a part of a certain trial. The Board of Regents approved this statement at its June 2018 meeting in Chicago, IL. (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? Being one of JWs is not enough to get you out of jury duty. I don't see how they could actually get out of it. 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. Copyright 2001-2015 Jehovah's Witness Discussion Forum | JW.Org Community Information. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1997, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1973. Can The tpms sensors on a 2002 Ford Explorer can be activated using a magnet.. How much did it cost for 1 dozen of donuts in 1970? In 2018, a Montana jury awarded $35 million to Alexis Nunez, who said she was sexually abused for years by a member of the Thompson Falls Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. It's all good. 1866.But there is no assurance from this record or elsewhere that if the names of all adult Jehovah's Witnesses were added to the master jury box source, the same religious tenets that compel these people to decline participation in the electoral process of government would not lead them to attempt to refuse . Since registering to vote 2 years ago, I have been called on the pool three times and had to go in once. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! 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. . 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. Former Jehovah's Witnesses who have testified before a state grand jury say investigators are seeking to shatter the wall of secrecy around the religion's leaders and their response to sex abuse complaints. Jehovah's Witnesses to use the time during which the blood transfusion can be postponed to furnish documentary evidence of the patient's refusal of blood transfusion, if such exists. Exemptions, however, are not granted everywhere. a. . Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. However, I never got to actually sit on the jury. The Office of Public Information at the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses responded to the verdict with an unsigned statement. . Can someone tell me why we were not allowed to to this? HELENA, Mont. But even if you live where such juries are not used, you can profitably consider the question, for some of the relevant Bible principles can apply to you if you are asked to "judge" in a dispute on your job or to "mediate" some dispute in your neighborhood. While the Bible upholds a governments 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. The state is there to serve God for your benefit. Fact Sheet: Court Leave. 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. What to do? Military duty If you are serving in the military, then this may be a reasonable excuse from jury duty. Office of Jury Commissioner Address Street Address 560 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA 02118 Directions Mailing Address 560 Harrison Ave., Suite 600, Boston, MA 02118 Directions Phone Juror helpline (toll-free in Massachusetts) (800) 843-5879 (THE-JURY) Monday-Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm Delinquent jurors (877) 966-7469 They really should provide better compensation since people are taking time off work for that. It has been reasoned that all citizens benefit from courts and so should be willing to be jurors, even as all benefit from other governmental services and so should pay taxes for these. In relation to the composition of juries, this historical development has been directed towards widening the classes of people liable to serve on juries with the object of making juries more representative of the whole community. *** w97 4/1 pp. In lands where what is called civil law prevails, legal cases (both criminal and civil) are usually heard and decided on by a single professional judge, or by a panel of justices. What was clear was that if he refused it, the WTBTS would not pay his legal costs. 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. . Weddings of Jehovah's Witnesses often consist of a simple and dignified ceremony that features a brief talk based on the Bible. The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovah's witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. (Luke 20:25) In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. . personal differences, especially those outside the congregation. In some lands, civil and criminal cases are decided by a professional judge or a panel of judges. If his conscientious scruples are not accepted as disqualifying him for jury duty, the Christian may feel that he will have to refuse to serve in order not to violate his conscience. Take part in any protest or strike. Crossposted, but at least Ynot has confirmed that I am always right. What should a Christian do when called for jury duty? Serve on jury duty. For instance, in some places capital punishment is a possible or mandatory sentence for a person found guilty of certain crimes. 14:1-4, 10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1 Corinthians 5:12?6:8. . The women say they reported the abuse to church elders, who handled the matter internally after consulting with the national organization. Then the judge identifies the parties and their attorneys and describes the nature of the case. The group needs to be reduced to the number who will actually sit through the trial of that case. Also, the attorneys for each side have the prerogative to dismiss a few jurors. An employee is entitled to paid time off without charge to leave for service as a juror or witness. He has been charged with Aggravated Indecent Assault, Indecent Assault, and Endangering . This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Yet, authorities are increasingly eliminating exemptions so that all are obliged to report for jury duty, perhaps repeatedly over the years. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someones being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someone?s being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. (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. (John 15:19; Isa. I was summoned once. Unfortunately, skipping jury duty simply because you do not want to attend can create a long list of new issues you will have to deal with. not sit on a jury. Serving as a juror is often described as a valid civic duty. Jehovahs witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. 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. It must be your personal decision not to serve not because the WTS is telling you not to serve on a jury duty. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). Audio. "1 Cor. We are happy to help those interested in the Bible or in our worldwide work. When I was at Bethel, Bethelites LOVED jury duty. friends. (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? Different '' experience to attend is obtained by a professional judge or a panel of judges to. Members, who handled the matter internally after consulting with the national organization can be for! We were not allowed to to this personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience distanced. 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