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?" Jehovah?s witnesses recognize that what people do with reference to jury duty is a personal matter, governed by the dictates of conscience. latest 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. Jehovah's Witnesses may object and say they have gotten away with doing some of the things on this list. The Board of Regents approved this statement at its June 2018 meeting in Chicago, IL. know that I have requested exemption. The apostle Paul urged "holy ones" in Corinth to settle differences within the congregation. We discuss the top three things that identify the Jehovah's Witnesses as collective narcissists: 1) Persecution Complex 2) Belief that they are the only true religion 3) They believe they are. A Montana law caps punitive damage awards at 3 percent of a company's net worth or $10 million, whichever is less. You will need to provide a letter from your superior. Will require an attendance sheet to verify jury service. (Compare Genesis 39:17-20; 1 Timothy 5:22.) do witnesses participate in jury duty? ?Daniel 3:16-18. They were paid $35 per day for jury duty. Then, too, many persons serving on juries do not desire to be guided by the laws of God?s Word in reaching a verdict. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. File - In this Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2015, file photo, the iconic Watchtower sign is seen on the roof of 25-30 Columbia Heights, then world headquarters of the Jehovah's Witnesses, in the Brooklyn borough of New York. Legal Statement. 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. And in the state of Colorado persons who can prove by documents that they are Jehovah?s witnesses are granted exemption from jury duty. Watching two good lawyers go after it on a good case is interesting. It's amazing the system works at all considering how many people are trying to 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. Surgeons highly value and respect patient autonomy and simultaneously desire to provide high . jehovahisgod, Feb 21, 2017. Court may postpone jury service to another term. Unlike the other jurors, she could not accept the claim that the injuries came from an accidental fall. "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. The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1997, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1973. The case that prompted Wednesday's ruling involved two women, now 32 and 21, who allege a family member sexually abused them and a third family member in Thompson Falls in the 1990s and 2000s. It is closer to the situation of Daniels three companions. And it is noteworthy that in most places being a juror does not involve sharing in political matters, which a Christian would not do because of his neutral position. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig). This view is of interest to Christians because of what the apostle Paul wrote about governmental superior authorities. He counseled: You must all obey the governing authorities. Still, the 21-year-old woman's attorneys say Wednesday's verdict sends a message to the church to report child abuse to outside authorities. 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 . What this means is if the police waste time dragging someone in for some victimless "crime" and the DA makes a case, you as a juror can call them out on this stupidity by voting for acquittal. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. With all due respect to the above author, it is usually best to If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. Find a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. What of a common trial? As for time, the first time it was a waste of two days. . 5:12, 13. However, the 1977 Act still Court opinions in West Virginia, Minnesota and Washington have, in fact, upheld a person?s right to refuse jury duty for religious reasons. The ceremony may be followed by a social gathering, or reception, which may include a meal. I recently served on a Jury panel for a court case. Pay during witness duty will not exceed the pay for the employee's normal workday and the employee's workweek. What is the moral lesson of at wars end by rony diaz? In some states, the employer has the right to request proof from the local court system that the employee was summoned to the court for jury duty. Some Christians in this situation have used the time to do informal witnessing. Sounds right up their alley. Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro's office has launched a grand jury investigation into how the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses have handled reports of sexual abuse in their congregations. Sometimes they recommend which sentence stipulated by law should be applied. (AP) The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child. (Matthew 22:17-21) If Caesar says that citizens must give of their time and efforts to clean roads or perform other work that is among Caesar?s functions, each Christian must decide whether to submit. Gods people recognize Jehovah as the Supreme Judge. 29-31 - Awake!1980 Questions From Readers (2 occurrences) I kind of agree with you, but I think it is a matter of civic duty, and I am happy to do my part after so many years of thinking it was all evil in the JWs. What to do? Any who are dismissed from that jury panel return to the jury pool to await random selection for other cases. However, they cut it down to a waste of the morning the second time. It is not uncommon for Jehovahs Witnesses to lodge a copy of their advance directives with their General Practitioner who should be contacted. "Matthew 27:24, 25. A Pennsylvania grand jury is investigating Jehovah's Witnesses for alleged sex-abuse cover-up, man who testified says. This was far more than the usual $3 per day. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Christians strive ?to mind their own business,? Some may automatically be disqualified, such as convicted felons and the mentally incompetent. The first passage tells of a Jewish man who asked Jesus to judge in a legal dispute over inheritance. 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. "?1 Peter 2:14. years ago I worked in small town radio. During the trial she realized that on her job at the hospital she had seenX rays of the victim, which were rejected as evidence at the trial. Then the apostle added: "For what do I have to do with judging those outside? English. a Jesus attended such a feast in the city of Cana early in his ministry.. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. (Luke 12:13, 14) Jesus came to declare the Kingdom good news, not to arbitrate legal matters. EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE. . My honey was called to jury duty. The first time, I was an active witless and dogged it during selection (I got on the bench and came up with a lame excuse to get out). But a distinctive feature of common law countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. . "Their national headquarters, called Watchtower, they control when and if anyone within their organization reports child abuse," Smith said. (Luke 20:25) In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. Childcare (dependent care) If you are the sole childcare provider for your child(ren) and cannot afford daycare, this can be a legitimate excuse from serving in jury duty. A judge must review the penalty, and the Jehovah's Witnesses' national organization Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York plans to appeal. as it carries out such legal functions, for they do not want to ?take a stand against it? jw ?Romans 13:1-4; Titus 3:1. (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. Weddings of Jehovah's Witnesses often consist of a simple and dignified ceremony that features a brief talk based on the Bible. Secular courts are a function of "the superior authorities." You don't need to know anything about the law to serve on a jury. Not every employer will pay someone who is on jury duty. Jury duty within the past year. Generally, the court sends notices to appear for jury duty to individuals selected from lists of voters, licensed drivers, or the like. Don't know about times past, but I think it's a conscience matter now. I sat in several trials taking notes as a reporter. ", Attorneys for the Jehovah's Witnesses said in court filings that Montana law exempts elders from reporting "internal ecclesiastical proceedings on a congregation member's serious sin.". But a distinctive feature of "common law" countries is the use of juries composed of average citizens. In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. After Gods servants ceased to be under the Mosaic Law, they had to deal with secular courts in various lands. HELENA, Mont. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. For example, on a grand jury, the jurors decide whether the evidence warrants someone?s being brought to trial; they do not determine guilt. Some Christians in this situation have used the time to do informal witnessing. friends. and receive judgment. It was felt that since they knew the accused, their judgment would be fairer than procedures in which he tried to prove his innocence by combat or by surviving some ordeal. ?Acts 24:10; 25:10, 11. What to do? Christians strive to mind their own business, not getting involved in "other peoples matters." Under the age of 18 Crossposted, but at least Ynot has confirmed that I am always right. But My dad was picked for a murder trial anyways while he was an elder (this was like 20 years ago). MANY persons look to the court or judicial system for justice. In a criminal case, they are to determine whether the evidence supports a guilty verdict. This can explain why the WTS has distanced itself officially and does not have an official position for or against jury duty. Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. 99.9% of Witnesses will write a letter to the courts asking that Plaintiff is identified by the pseudonym J.W. Even in other ways, might this sort of problem arise for a Christian juror? I wonder if the $9.00 a day is taxable income. The Jury Amendment Act was instigated in 2010, with most of the changes taking place at the beginning of this year. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. In a civil case, the jury might award damages or compensation. (Gen. 9:5, 6) Or a case could involve abortion, divorce, child custody, or another issue on which the Christian follows God?s thinking even when the law of the land differs. Had to ask to be dismissed because I was still undergoing Chemo treatments and didn't have the strength or energy to attend. They can actually investigate things. (Matt. What they did thereafter was another matter, as the Bible shows. Sorry, there was an error loading the video. . Definitely a place to be if you want to do something that has impact. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Committee on Ethics developed a Statement on Recommendations for Surgeons Caring for Patients Who Are Jehovah's Witnesses. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. The jury duty excuse letter template is an opportunity for the juror to grasp. If a person cannot be exempted when called for jury duty even after explaining matters to the judge, he can, nevertheless, state his conscientious scruples regarding a case when questioned by the lawyers before the trial begins. Then the apostle added: For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Then, depending on the type of case, the judge may sentence the guilty parties. Naturally, if you live where the possibility exists of being called for jury duty, you might well ask, Should a Christian serve on a jury? Other Christians, though, have decided otherwise. He has to analyze the legal evidence put forward in the legal hearing and give an unbiased decision. 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. 14:1-4,10) However, a minister might well refer to Luke 12:13, 14 and 1Corinthians 5:126:8. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. How do JW's get out of it??? (Luke 4:18, 43) Jesus? Later, King Henry III of England provided for the accused to be judged by his neighbors. The Jehovah's Witnesses must pay $35 million to a woman who says the church's national organization ordered Montana clergy members not to report her sexual abuse as a child at the hands of a congregation member, a jury ruled in a verdict. "1 Cor. When the life of an accused person is involved, this could mean incurring bloodguilt. Legal Statement. In that case he should prepare himself to face whatever consequences may arise as a result of his decision. In jury duty the task is to hear evidence and offer an honest opinion on points of fact or law. Thanks Mis. 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. John 2:1-11. 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. Where this prevails, a Christian must decide how to respond when directed to report for jury duty. Within the United States, the situation in one state may be quite different from that in another state. I don't see how they could actually get out of it. He and the attorneys examine each potential juror. Will require a letter from superior. While referring to the judiciary of secular courts as "unrighteous men," Paul did not deny that such had a place in handling secular affairs. (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? Trial by jury existed also in the Roman Republic, though this was abolished under the emperors. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! Remarry, unless they were granted a "scriptural divorce" by the elders on the basis of adultery, or if their spouse is dead. Jury Duty Excuse Letter Format Date Name Title A former Jehovah's Witness is using stolen documents to expose allegations that the religion has kept hidden for decades. 28 U.S.C.A. Do you not judge those inside [the congregation], while God judges those outside?" Military duty - may also be a valid reason to ask to be excused from jury duty. Your jury vote gets diluted by 12, and in many courts a sole vote can hang a jury. As far as they personally are concerned, Jehovah?s witnesses generally do not feel that they should sit as judges of other people. (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 Christians have also reflected on the types of cases that jurors might face. A jury is a group of people randomly selected to make decisions at a trial in a court of law. Non-Exempt Employees. They listen to the evidence presented by both the defense and the prosecution, talk about the case with each other and make a decision as to the guilt or innocence of the person on trial. People randomly selected to make decisions at a trial in a court of law town radio to hear and. I am always right was far more than the usual $ 3 per day within. 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