Elena Kagan Jury Duty: They're Just Like Us
We recently learned that Batman has to pay his taxes. Now we learn that even U.S. Supreme Court Justices have to show up for jury duty.
Newest Justice Elena Kagan was recently seen waiting for jury duty in the D.C. Superior Court jury lounge, ABC News reports.
"Sporting dark trousers and a checkered patterned sweater jacket, she sat quietly, reading through what appeared to be a legal brief and making handwritten notes in the margin,"ABC News reported.
Elena Kagan wasn't ultimately called to sit on a jury however. If she had, that would have certainly been an interesting trial and deliberation. How could she not have been elected foreman?
However, Kagan, along with a number of other prospective jurors, were released. Kagan chatted with a number of people who recognized her before leaving. She reportedly declined the $4 transportation stipend. The salary of a U.S. Supreme Court Justice is $213,900. The Chief Justice receives $223,500.
Many people believe that attorneys and judges cannot be picked to serve on a jury, but that is not true. Often attorneys prefer not to have them on their jury, but it is by no means a rule or law.
Kagan, like any U.S. citizen, was wise to show up for jury duty. Jury duty is mandatory in all jurisdictions. The penalties vary, but it is something that states are cracking down on. Often those who miss jury duty face fines.
Regardless of the penalties, it is definitely something that you should do as a citizen. It is considered a civic duty. As the United States does not have a military draft, jury duty seems like a much more appealing way to support the country.
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