So what do you do with 246 potential jurors who admittedly lied or just ignored the summons to get out of jury duty? Send them to jail!

Well, at least you ask them if they want to go to jail and after a resounding no, you slap them on the hand and send them on their way.

Tampa circuit court judge, Gregory Holder, who back in October was infuriated when trying to assemble a jury pool for an upcoming trial. The level of no-shows that particular day was approximately 40% even after taking into consideration those with legitimate exemptions. Typically, the no-show rate is around 20%.

Holder was so incensed he ordered those who did not show for jury duty to court early in November to explain why they felt that they were above the law.

As if to drive home his point, Holder began the session with the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone was required to stand and to recite it.

"This country asks very little of you," Holder told them in a booming voice. "This state asks very little of you. Vote and serve on juries."

Several people were called to the podium to explain why they were part of the 40% no-show. Excuses ranged from not knowing about the jury duty summons to illness, but judge holder saved his greatest wrath for a United States Military Academy graduate and veteran. Someone, the veteran is not sure who, called the court asking for an exemption due to his being in the military. The man claimed he was not currently in the military and has no idea who or why anyone would have called the court on his behalf.
 

Holder angrily ordered him back to his seat.

During the meeting, Holder asked the room who wanted to go to jail for this, everyone present answered with a resounding no. Holder also mentioned that the lunch menu in jail for the day was bologna and cheese sandwiches.

In the end, Judge Holder ordered all to return as prospective jurors in January and he stated he is forming a committee to look into making the jury summons process more efficient and accurate.

Really? You can’t take time out of your busy life to attend a legal summons. I have been through the jury selection process and for most of those summoned it amounts to just one day out of your life. I have never been chosen for jury duty – maybe I look like an opinionated non-team player, who has preconceived impressions about those who break the law. I don’t know. I do know that this should not happen. As the judge said, this country asks for so little of us as far as doing any service – this should be a no-brainer.