Tuesday 3 November 2009

To Old To Know Right From Wrong.

For many years I have had the strange notion that I would love to sit on a jury, its probably because of watching and reading too many thrillers but it is something I have always fancied doing. Yesterday at long last the letter came from the Sheriff's Office saying I had been selected to serve on a upcoming jury. Along with the letter was a little form to fill in. That was then I discovered that officialdom has waited too long to ask me to serve, as you have to be under 65 years old, so unfortunately I have missed my chance and am not happy about it at all. I know in the USA people of my age are used a jurists, think of all the money that would be saved if some of the good and true we made up of retirees we would not have to claim for lack of earnings just travel expenses. I suppose that would be too sensible for the country. I am really annoyed at this, not only because it was something I have wanted to do but I feel it is age discrimination and that is supposed to be against the law. End of rant for today. Take care. Till next time.

Love Joan.

13 comments:

Jeannette said...

Oh dear Joan. I had to laugh because my worry for a long time would that I would be called to sit on a jury and they would not accept agoraphobia as being a reason for my refusal. Had things been different I would love to have done it.

How stupid though, you would have think they would have checked age before sending out the notice and seen you were not eligible. Ho hum

Julie said...

I am sorry you can't sit on the jury, they are kind of interesting. I just got picked in Sept but have it delayed until Jan. It makes sense to me to use retired people. It is hard to get off work when you work nights, you some time's have to miss more then one day of work. Come here and I will let you sit in for me.

Sage Ravenwood said...

This is the first I've heard of this. It seems unfair in so many ways. Half the time they have people serving that don't even want the honor and probably just pass down a conviction to get out of there sooner. (Hugs)Indigo

BlueRidge Boomer said...

Rant...Girl...Rant!!

Your right!!

Enjoy.....LindaMay

Jan said...

Oh what a disapointment ,I couldnt agree more ,I would love to sit on a jury too ,seems we have missed out ,and yes ageist hmm !...love Jan xx

Sybil said...

Poor old you Joan !!!! I think you have had a narrow escape myself..I had to sit on a jury in the Edinburgh High Court many years ago...a murder case ...nothing less for me would it be !!!! Naturally the man was guilty...one look and I decided...whats that about proof ?????? mind you once the defence got to his feet I began to wonder if it was Me THAT WAS GUILTY. I am sure he kept looking at me.... So don't be sorry...just be glad
Much Love Sybil xx

Unknown said...

Last thing you ever want to be is caught up in the legal system! i have been in court a few times as part of my job - not really pleasant experience.

Fortunately although I have been called for Jury service twice if not three times now I am actually exempt due to my job -even although retired I remain in it for life - that gets me exemption.

These days they just pick them at random from electoral registers hence getting the call - it usd to be done differently.

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I always hoped not to be called as I fear having to pass judgement on another person. The only time I got a notice I was due to have my 4th child so I couldn't do it. Still you are being a good citizen wanted to serve.

Angie said...

Oh Joan,now there's a thing! I thought thr cut-off age was 75 but the laws of Scotland differ often from England. My trouble is that I either make snap judgements about people or else I believe EVERYBODY. I'd be useless.

Unknown said...

I am sorry Joan. I would think that with the wisdom must olders folk bring, that retirees would be perfect. Some like ssome young whipper snapper calling the shots.
Laini

Kath said...

Popping in on a few blogs this evening Joan.I hope my comment finds you well.I did Jury service about 20yrs ago at Leeds Crown Court West Yorkshire and I hated every minute of it.Luckily I did meet some nice people though and we enjoyed our free time together throughout the day during the breaks we got.It amazes me how they sent for you they should have known your age.Thats todays administration for you though.Good to read you again.Take Care Stay Warm.God Bless.Kath xx

Jenny said...

It's strange because they can operate on you at that age and a lot older. They can run the country a lot older than 65. Life is funny.
Jenny <><

Ally Lifewithally said...

Joan I really feel bad for you ~ and so sorry it is too late for you to be able to serve on a jury ~ seems stupid when you think of the money they could save as you would not have to clain loss of earnings ~ Ally x

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