Reluctant Juror Jailed for Message to Court Officials
A reluctant juror in Michigan has been jailed after he sent court officials a note telling them what he thought of their third jury summons.
“I didn’t sign up for this bullshit,” Michael Starrett wrote, according to an article in the Detroit News. “I suggest you find somebody who gives a shit.”
When Starrett appeared in court to explain himself, the unemployed carpet installer told the judge he didn’t want to serve on a jury because he doesn’t believe in the criminal justice system or God.
That argument didn’t work with Chief Judge Antonio Viviano, the newspaper reports. “Do you think that because you have certain beliefs, that exempts you from civic duty?” the Roseville, Mich., judge asked. “Let me tell you something, it doesn’t.”
Starrett was jailed for only a few hours before posting bail. He is due back in court on Oct. 30 for a contempt hearing.
A hat tip to How Appealing, which posted the story.
