I get pissed off when people whine about jury duty, or try to weasel out of it. Daniel Ellis of Cape Cod, Massachusetts has taken “attempted jury service avoidance” to a new level. Said Judge Gary Nickerson:
In 32 years of service in courtrooms, as a prosecutor, as a defense attorney and now as a judge, I have quite frankly never confronted such a brazen situation of an individual attempting to avoid juror service.
Snap! So what did Ellis do to evoke such a strong statement from Judge Nickerson? Check out this exchange:
Judge: You say on your form that you’re not a fan of homosexuals.
Ellis: That I’m a racist. I’m frequently found to be a liar, too. I can’t really help it.
Judge: I’m sorry?
Ellis: I said I’m frequently found to be a liar.
Judge: So, are you lying to me now?
Ellis: Well, I don’t know. I might be….
Judge: I have the distinct impression that you’re intentionally trying to avoid jury service.
Ellis: That’s true.
Then Judge Nickerson did what any judge in that position should do – he had Ellis carted away to a cell for the rest of the morning! He may yet be charged with perjury.