Should I be Excluded From Jury Duty Because of PTSD?

[2quilt]

Can you just say that you have PTSD explain that term like the dictionary definition, and then say something vague if the dam attorney questions you further? I hate lawyers; they enjoy embarrassing people.

 

[purplejaz]

In Australia we can get out of jury duty by a medical disorder. Luckily my GP has supported me twice now in not attending and being excused. I could go though and automatically give the person the guilty verdict without hearing any of their crappy excuses lol! No excuse forgives a crime I say.

 

[Mina]

I had jury duty this morning...luckily, I did not get selected. It was a civil trial instead of criminal, but I know I could not have been unbiased. I can't put my finger on it, but something about being there has me so agitated right now!! Not sure if it was the sitting still and being quiet (difficult for me - I was fidgeting with a rubber band I'd brought the whole time), or the being around so many random people in close quarters, or the thought of having to disclose personal information if asked...probably everything combined. Potential jurors were at least allowed to talk to the judge in private if need be, so they didn't have to disclose things to the entire room, but the thought of having to do that was still a bit irritating.

 

[Grama-Herc]

Mina,

Boy am I ever glad to know that you can speak with the judge in private if necessary. I have never been called to serve on a jury but at age 62 the odds are against me that it will never happen. I wondered a while back what I would do if ever called----thanks to you, now I know

 

[onebravegirl]

In your situation, If I were you, Yes I would request exemption. It is such a serious responsibility and for the sake of the person on trail, you would have to remain objective. If you may be triggered that could effect your judgment and bias your opnions.
That aside if you are already feeling vulnerable to triggers, you could be putting your self in danger, mentally and emotionally.
Even a civil trial can be very egsausting and a heavy responsibility.
I have heard that people who work in slaughter houses are exempt from jury duty because they may be numbed to human suffering. PTSD people are the opposite, and in either case I do not personally think it is fair for anyone involved.
Good for you for taking this seriously, and putting thought into this beforehand
O