Jury Duty Excuse: I'm a Racist, Homophobic Liar!

excerpt from story...


"In 32 years of service in courtrooms, as a prosecutor, as a defense attorney and now as a judge, I have quite frankly never confronted such a brazen situation of an individual attempting to avoid juror service," Barnstable Superior Court Judge Gary Nickerson told Daniel Ellis, according to a preliminary court transcript of the exchange.

Ellis, of Falmouth, had been called to court with about 60 other potential jurors for possible service on a 23-member grand jury.

On a questionnaire that all potential jurors fill out, Ellis wrote that he didn't like homosexuals and blacks. He then echoed those sentiments in an interview with Nickerson.

"You say on your form that you're not a fan of homosexuals," Nickerson said.

"That I'm a racist," Ellis interrupted.

"I'm frequently found to be a liar, too. I can't really help it," Ellis added.

"I'm sorry?" Nickerson said.

"I said I'm frequently found to be a liar," Ellis replied.

"So, are you lying to me now?" Nickerson asked.

"Well, I don't know. I might be," was the response.

Ellis then admitted he really didn't want to serve on a jury.

"I have the distinct impression that you're intentionally trying to avoid jury service," Nickerson said.

"That's true," Ellis answered.

Nickerson ordered Ellis taken into custody. He was released later Monday morning.

Ellis could face perjury and other charges.

My coworker and I were just talking about this very thing this morning.

We're both reporters, and he doesn't want to serve because he doesn't think members of the media should be allowed to since we get information the average person doesn't get, so I was telling him to do this exact thing.

I would just say I'm a conspiracy theorist, and that I believe the U.S. governmemnt is lieing about 911. that's sure to get you dismissed as a juror, or just say you understand the CONSTITUTION and that it's your primary job to defend the defendant's rights under jury lawlessness.