We need Family Friendly Jury Duty legislation because of the following abuses:
Courts have required jury service from breastfeeding mothers for the sake of fulfilling “civic duty”!
Courts have required jury service from mothers of special-needs children!
Courts have required jury service from sole caregivers of disabled or elderly relatives!
Courts have required jury service from at-home parents of young children and family caregivers who:
Had no relatives nearby who could care for their young children or dependent relatives.
Had no friends or neighbors who could help with substitute care arrangements on a moment’s notice, for extended periods of time.
Could not afford last-minute, costly alternate care arrangements of uncertain quality for their young child or disabled family member on a single income!
Home school their children!
Family Friendly Jury Duty laws would prevent the above unjust and inhumane treatment of our most vulnerable citizens -- babies, small children, the disabled, and the elderly. It would allow mothers who are breast feeding, parents and guardians who are caring for a young child full-time, and sole caregivers of an elderly or disabled relative the option to be excused from jury service, upon request.
Jury Service is an important civic responsibility. Family friendly jury duty laws ensure these obligations would be met as soon as children are older, and not in need of constant care, or when family care-giving responsibilities have ceased.
Family friendly jury duty legislation is not for the benefit of caregivers themselves, but for those for whom they provide care.
This site is dedicated to promoting Family Friendly Jury Duty laws which accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers, at-home parents of young children, and caregivers of disabled or elderly relatives, and those who depend upon them.
"Giving Caregivers & Widows a hand-up not just a hand-out"
The Caregivers & Widows Survivors Fund
esther.pinkston@gmail.com
Posted By: Esther Pinkston
Thursday, December 3rd 2009 at 10:09PM
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