I was wondering if anyone has been called for jury duty when they have a baby. I am not sure if I can get out of doing it on the grounds of being the primary carer of my child (obviously) with no other family members able to care for him for the duration of a trial (my folks are overseas and my in-laws are 1.5hrs drive away with numerous responsibilities that would prevent them from taking care of my boy for any length of time).
In this instance do they expect me to put my boy in childcare? Do they just see this as being my problem to sort out? I honestly cannot bear the thought of having to get a stranger to look after my baby Has anyone got out of doing jury duty on the grounds of having to care for their child?
I would really appreciate any feedback. Thanks so much.
I got the first round letter when Nina was about 2 months old. I did put on it I was her primary carer and could not find alternative arrangements.
Here is the website, which does state you can put that down. Excusal : Queensland Courts
I got called up recently and just had to take the form to a police station to sign the stat dec that I was the primary carer of 2 young children and had no alternative arrangements for care.
I assume it was ok as I haven't heard anything back from them.
Thanks Jodi. I did plan on putting that down as my reason, but it sounds like it would be at their discretion whether or not that would be a suitable reason and, therefore, they could still make me do it (as opposed to having to attend uni, for example, which is a pretty water-tight excuse). I am just concerned that they will just expect me to make childcare arrangement and still want me to do it. The website does say that alternative arrangement should be made in this instance. Thanks again.
Same here. I just completed the form saying that I'm her primary carer, is exclusively BF and jury service would jeopardise her nutritional needs. Didn't hear anything more.
Nai, I think I will do that, thank you so much for the suggestion.
Tinks, I wouldn't mind doing it if my folks could look after my boy, but that won't be happening. I think it would be an interesting experience and perhaps I will get another opportunity in the future, now is just a really bad time.
Saffi, my boy is FF, so I couldn't use BF as a reason.
nah, you'll get out of it in a heartbeat.
I got called last year and the fact that I had a LO was more of a reason than I was a police officer who actually vetted all the police briefs for court...and I had read the one I got called for....go figure
I responded to my call up letter by saying (a) I was BFing my DS and (b) I was primary carer, DH was working as I was on mat leave and we had no immediate family in same state to provide care for DS. I never heard another thing about it!
You could always just turn up to first day of selections with bub's in tow - and see if you get picked! I think its a legit reason, so you should be ok.
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Jury duty and a 7 month old
Has anyone got out of doing jury duty on the grounds of having to care for their child?
I think its a legit reason, so you should be ok.
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