MENDOCINO CO., CA., 6/10/26 — After a Mendocino County Superior Court judge ordered 87 county residents to appear in court in recent months to explain why they missed their jury duty dates despite repeated summons, about 25 people who did not show up will receive a $600 fine that will be mailed out this month, court officials announced this week.
According to Court Executive Officer Kim Turner, in the last couple of years, the number of Mendocino County residents that fail to appear for jury service has prevented the court from moving forward with some jury trials, having to postpone them for not having enough jurors.
Eighty-seven Mendocino County residents were ordered to appear at juror compliance hearings in April and May to state their reasons for missing jury duty, the court announced Monday. Those who went to the hearings were able to explain to Judge Keith Faulder why they did not comply with repeated jury summons. According to the court, some had legitimate reasons for missing jury duty and were dismissed, but many did not understand that jury service is required for every U.S. citizen unless they have a medical or other legitimate reason to be excused.
Turner said about 25 residents did not come to the hearings as ordered and are now subject to a monetary sanction and will be receiving notices that they must pay a $600 fine for disregarding a direct order from the court to appear. The notices will be mailed out by the middle of June, court officials said.
Worth the 600 dollars, I think I saved money!
Jury “duty” is pure theater, aiming to bolster the illusion (delusion) that we live in a “free society” and that “justice is fair & blind.”
Government is lies, across the board.
Jury duty should be voluntary and compensated with tax exempt payments. Sign ups could be made on line or at county offices. Especially in mainly rural counties where transportation is costly.
If it was voluntary no-one would do it and then we’d have to stop doing jury trials, which means instead of being judged by our peers we’re judged by law professionals who may or may not care if you’re guilty at all when trying to prosecute you. There’s pros and cons to both systems, but I’d rather be judged by regular people than ivy league types who think the whole world lived the same lives they did. But I do agree that instead of paying people, there should be other incentives which make it appealing or at least not financially difficult to attend. Also, we’d have less jury trials if it wasn’t so easy for drunks to fight being accused of drunk driving. Maybe we need to stop letting those people off so easily.
Not so sure says
“If it was voluntary no-one would do it”
If the government PAID people fair compensation, plenty of folks would serve.
These punks and thugs in both Sacramento and Washington insist on hefty salaries and perks for themselves, while refusing to pay jurors hourly, refusing to pay jurors round-trip travel expenses, and make little to no accommodation for those with kids.
With government, it is ALWAYS “do as we say, not as we do.”
If jury “duty” is a “civic responsibility” (required unpaid servitude), so is serving in California and Federal government…for free. Any “judge” should remember this, as well.
I show for jury duty and have served on a couple too. I see it as if I’m the person in the hot seat or in litigation with an opposition; I hope to have a person like me, serving on my jury. I agree it’s inconvenient and costly to go to court and have the case dismissed. But now you’re free from notice for a year. But think of the inconvenience and consequences the people you are hearing are enduring. Help them have a good jury.
At least you get it! So many people are so selfish anymore, they refuse to do anything for anyone but themselves and they hide behind the argument of “we live in a rural county!”. Well, you choose to live here and you are an American citizen so that’s just the way life is. Stop whining and deal with it. People who can’t attend because they don’t have vehicles are given passes. People who can’t afford to miss work are given exemptions. People who simply refuse to show up, like the commenter above who “saved” money by skipping jury duty, are simply mad because they refused their duty and have no legitimate excuse.
Other people’s problems are meaningless to me. I have enough of my own troubles to deal with for one lifetime & I do not appreciate getting sucked into theirs.
Besides that, the entire court system in this nation is a joke & I don’t want to be involved with such a screwed up system.
If you are accussed of a crime it doesn’t really matter if someone is gulity or not. All that matters is how much money they can afford to spend on a lawyer.
Innocent people go to prison all the time because they get a public attorney that technically works for the DA.
Guilty people get off regularly because they hire a good private defense attorney.
It is complete bullshit & every judge that allows it is a criminal.
Hell, Judge Faulder, was my lawyer once (not a criminal case) ,and he arrived a little late to a meeting with me. He told me he was in court getting a man off even though he knew the man was guilty of murder.
I’m completely serious.
I didn’t know how to respond to that I was so shocked.
Here Here, Ducky says:
“So many people are so selfish anymore”
How many hours do you dedicate “to society” each week, FOR FREE?
You expect to be paid for your labor? How selfish! (rolls eyes)
“they refused their duty and have no legitimate excuse”
The Thirteenth Amendment says there is no “duty” without fair pay. No pay = servitude, unconstitutional. The shysters who “rule” otherwise are part of the Problem.
We’re sick of the tyranny, and we’re going to push back. Escalate, and so will we.
Good for you Ducky. I’ve served on a many juries over the years, including 2 trials several weeks long. Not only is this the one of the responsibilities that comes with all the rights we have as US citizens, but is also the right thing to do. It’s the wide variety of people across all walks of society that are the best insurance that someone gets a fair trial. Speaking from experience, a good jury always has someone who cares about what they are doing sees through the fancy lawyers and games that are played.
In an ideal society would we be able to ensure that someone doesn’t loose anything to serve on the jury (lost pay covered, kids and parents taken care of, etc), and that it’s as efficient as possible so that reporting wasn’t much of a hassle? Yes, of course, but that would involve increased taxes so we are reliant on people sucking it up occasionally to do their duty. If everyone did it honestly and didn’t try to get out, it would be much more rare that people had to serve. Making a sacrifice for the good of our society as a whole is as American as it gets.
We live in a large rural county. Until they figure out how to assist people from other towns getting to jury duty in Ukiah there will always be this issue. Not everyone has transportation or even time off work to go to Ukiah. A solution for our county needs to be discussed. Zoom options in each community? Rides? Idk but something needs to be implemented.
100% this is the problem. I have issues getting to Ukiah. Time, gas, and transportation. These are all becoming more expensive and out of reach for many. I have served on Juries in Fort Bragg. There should be options for those of us that want to participate but can’t afford the trip to Ukiah.
I can’t wait for this lawsuit! The County can’t show proof of their own finances. How are they going to prove that the United States Postal Service delivered the jury duty summons?
Are you a litigant in said lawsuit? What exactly are you suing for? Will this be a class action lawsuit? What relief are you asking the court for?
Have a feeling that this lawsuit will be a frivolous as most of the ones the convicted felon adjudicated rapist pedo war criminal con artist files 😱
The county and the judicial system are separate so you don’t even know how the government works and you want to sue it. Good luck…
You deeply misunderstand the “justice” system. No lawsuit will be permitted to defeat this government servitude. The System is rigged against anyone who dares to apply logic and consistency to government propaganda (“we live in a ‘free society'”).
As for your second point, exactly. If a jury summons is not personally-served on you, not sent Certified Mail, or is otherwise not trackable, it’s “I don’t recall receiving any such notice.”
Personally, I would much rather pay $600 than go to jury duty.
I went once & it was the worst experience imaginable. I has serious thoughts of going postal when I was trapped, against my will at the courthouse even though I had done nothing wrong, just for the suspect to take a plea deal moments before the trial.
I would rather commit suicude than go to jury duty ever again & if I ever have to again, that is exactly what I’ll do.
Your doctor can write you a permanent excuse from jury service. It goes to the county you reside in. If you move, the new county will need a note as well. I had to go multiple times prior to getting this. Being questioned in the jury box in front of the packed court was bad enough. It was a murder involving drugs case. They allowed a crowd of the defendant’s criminal druggie gang members to hear our answers. Where we live, who we live with, kids, jobs, etc.. Nothing like intimidation. I was so incredibly relieved to be excused.
Everyone loves to complain about how awful “the system” is. I agree that the justice system is greatly flawed, but what are the alternatives? Would you trust a tribunal-type trial that is up to a handful of people selected by whomever the politician-of-the-day might be and that is not open to public scrutiny? It’s true, a jury of my peers, especially after reading the comments here, is a scary prospect, but I hope if I ever have to be on trial, either as the defendant or a plaintiff (and it could happen to you!), that there would still be people like me and Ducky and Here Here on my jury. I have served on a few juries and witnessed other court proceedings in which the crimes were really bad and needed to be dealt with immediately, but they were backed up because they couldn’t get enough jury members for so many cases. If you have no jury you have no trial, and the alleged criminals can only be kept off the streets for so long. This is why there are probably so many plea bargains (criminals “getting off”).
I believe in civic duty. It’s too bad that a few conscientious people like me have to bear the burden, as usual, for the lazy, selfish complainers like some of the commenters in this thread. Plea deals with even the worst criminals appears to be the only way to deal with them, thanks to people like the ones who “would rather commit suicide” than go to jury duty again!? Really, Dub? Sounds like you need a psychological exam.Then you can use the results as a valid excuse to get out of your civic duty.
Let us know when we actually have FREEDOM; they you can preach at us about “responsibility.”
That freedom will begin when:
1) the government no longer lies to us;
2) the government actually obeys the Bill of Rights;
3) the government stops treating us like livestock to be “harvested”;
4) the government is no longer comprised of “successful” criminals.
Why should anyone choose to be part of this sickening theater they claim is “justice”?
Luckiest Duck, I do agree with you that being questioned as a juror in front of the criminal and whoever their audience is should stop. I had the same experience, and it wasn’t for a drug deal. Do any of the people who know about court proceedings reading these comments have an answer for that? Don’t the jurors have a right to privacy and protection?
Corrupt & biased cops. Corrupt & biased DAs. Indifferent judges. Guilty or innocent, i could never judge anybody until law enforcement & the judicial system, are held accountable & perform their duties according to the law & not with their God complex.
Hear, hear!
If you are forced to “serve,” be a stealth Jury Nullification activist. No matter what the facts are or what the guy in a black dress demands, render a NOT GUILTY verdict. Most of these “laws” are unjust and anti-constitutional. We both know the System is woefully-corrupt. If they force “participation,” make them pay for it with defeat.
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.”
That’s the “Supreme Law of the Land,” the part of the Constitution of the United States known as the Thirteenth Amendment.
This System we live under won’t even obey its own laws, but expects us to “comply” with its demands for involuntary servitude.
Tell you what, government, PAY people to serve as jurors, at least minimum wage, for every hour your waste their time with your theater of “justice,” pay them the IRS rate to travel to the courthouse, BOTH WAYS, and, provide them free childcare if they have kids. You’ll have A LOT less problem in getting people to play your “justice” game.
That said, if anyone receives a “jury summons,” and exercises their inherent right not to be an involuntary servant, if it’s not personally-served, sent Certified Mail or otherwise trackable, feel free to discard it. If the System demands you “explain yourself,” you simply disavow any knowledge of such “summons.” “I do not recall.” It works for our rulers, and can work for you, too.
If you are forced to serve as a juror against your will, you should feel free to exercise your inherent, inalienable right as a juror to apply Jury Nullification to any case you’re forced to serve in. What this means is that as a juror, you have the right to render a not guilty verdict even if the System “proves” that someone violated one of their malum prohibitum (i.e., “it’s wrong because we say so”) statutes. The lawyer in the black dress will tell you you’re not allowed to do this; ignore that, and never admit your sentiments.
Government is NOT your friend, and we owe NOTHING to it. It lies to you daily, it abuses you daily, and laughs at your opinions. Recognize it wages war on you, and, hence, you should act accordingly. Jury Nullification is a means to neuter out-of-control government. Use it! It’s box number three to resist tyranny…soap box, ballot box, jury box, cartridge box. We all know the first two are useless now.
This is totally sick and disgusting and am ashamed to be a Mendo County resident. Want nothing to do with the place. I went to jury duty a nervous wreck. Even stating my medical conditions.
Thankfully after most of the day totally wasted I was excused. This is a banana republic.
I have done jury duty and,yes, it is an unpleasant waste of time when you wait all day and at the last minute there is a ea deal. Not fun driving to Ulkiah. BUT all you whiners sound like adolescent, entitled and immature brats. If you don’t participate in civil institutions you get the government you deserve. Yes,our government right now is corrupt. What are YOU going to do about it. Or would you rather sit around and complain until our cou try turns into North Korea?
I agree that jury members should be compensated to some degree, and the current amount is extremely insufficent. But then what would be fair? The hourly rate of an attorney or judge? Should it be attached to gas prices? What’s the alternative if we do away with juries altogether? Just stick people in prison without due process, another important provision in the Constitution? Let criminals go free?
In response to your brandishing the Thirteenth Amendment to support your view that jury duty is “slavery”–a pretty audacious and insulting claim for those whose ancestors suffered under true slavery in this country–you should know that the 13th Amendment was interpreted by SCOTUS to permit the government to require certain forms of public service, including military service and-–YES–jury duty:
United States v. Kozminski, 487 U.S. 931, 943–44 (1988) (stating, in dicta, that the Thirteenth Amendment does not prevent the state or federal governments from compelling jury service by threatening criminal sanctions), superseded by statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1589; Hurtado v. United States, 410 U.S. 578, 589 n.11 (1973) (stating that the federal government’s $1-per-day payment to an incarcerated material witness before trial was not “so low as to impose involuntary servitude prohibited by the Thirteenth Amendment” ); Butler, 240 U.S. at 332–33 (suggesting, in dicta, that the Thirteenth Amendment was not meant to prohibit mandatory jury service).
Although our founding Consitution has been in remarkably continuous force since 1787 and has been venerated enough since then to survive until now, it cannot keep up with susbsequent learning and population growth, and now the obvious trend towards its citizens’ apathy, complacency and disregard for civic participation. Patriotism has many forms. Defying jury duty is not one of them.
“Pro-Constitution” (sic) spews:
“In response to your brandishing the Thirteenth Amendment to support your view that jury duty is ‘slavery’–a pretty audacious and insulting claim for those whose ancestors suffered under true slavery”
Oh, golly gee, a real SHYSTER has shown up! LOL
Only a shyster – of the so-called “profession” of law – would dare to argue in such a disingenuous manner.
Note I never said jury “duty” (sic) is “slavery.” Not once. But you established that Red Herring for your sinister tactic.
“you should know that the 13th Amendment was interpreted by SCOTUS”
You should know that I don’t worship the SCROTUS, nor do I worship any man – as those who demand “honor” insist of us.
The Thirteenth Amendment says what it means and means what it says. Perverts (in more ways than one, not just the perversion of justice) in black dresses DO NOT get to “interpret” the plain and obvious meaning out of existence.
This regime we live under has plenty of power – the ability to do things; but very little authority – the right to do things.
“Ruling” that the involuntary servitude of jury “duty” or being drafted into the killing machine of the empire is, plainly, waging war on the Constitution, not supporting it. Of course, the Founders never anticipated that apparatchiks within the system they created would be the traitors we needed to be concerned with. Nonetheless, as their “tradition of deadly force” shows us, they would regard these judicial “rulings” as nothing short of treason, deserving the usual due.
“suggesting, in dicta, that the Thirteenth Amendment was not meant to prohibit mandatory jury service”
Irrelevant. If plain English no longer has authority, then the Constitution as a whole has no authority, either, meaning the SCROTUS and all inferior (in more ways than one) courts have NO AUTHORITY, either, as they derive their “authority” from both the Constitution and the sovereignty of The People themselves (not the government).
“the obvious trend towards its citizens’ apathy, complacency and disregard for civic participation.”
You act as though you “don’t understand” this alleged “apathy.”
Let’s look at your own “profession.” Your “justice” system has, in criminal prosecutions, a “judge,” an employee of the State (government, not necessarily “California”), the prosecutor (persecutor in many cases), an employee of the State, and the “defense” (sic) lawyer, an “officer of the Court,” ipso facto, an employee of the State! If normal folks tried such a scam, it would be rightly called blatant conflict of interest if not racketeering.
Of course, millions of us also see how the “elections” charades are stage-managed productions, and I refer to “both sides,” not just echoing MAGA claims. The phrase from generations ago, “vote early and vote often,” has new, phenomenal (and negative) meaning nowadays.
“Patriotism has many forms.”
The country is clearly lost. “Patriotism” towards a rotting corpse is only for fools.
“Defying jury duty is not one of them.”
Show us the way, by working for free.
How many county staff are on the list???
This problem became much worse when they got rid of municipal courts, especially for coastal people. Court consultation was a huge mistake and served only to benefit state power.