Avoid Jury Duty

Laurence Tureaud AKA Mr. T was summoned to jury duty April 28th, 2009. The star of Rocky III, the A-Team and his own cartoon was called to Cook County Circuit Court in Chicago, IL. He showed up in traditional Mr. T style in camouflage pants and a t-shirt. Mr. T was dismissed from fulfilling his civic duty in a drug case.

Below are some quotes Mr. T made after his dismissal.

“I enjoy doing my civic duty along with my friends I’ve met,”

“I enjoyed the people that were around me.”

“It’s not about ‘The A-Team;’ it’s the J-Team — the jury team,”

“If you’re innocent, I’m your best man,” …”But if you’re guilty, I pity that fool.”

-Mr. T from the Chicago Sun Times

Washington State Governor Christine Gregiore was summoned to jury duty at Thurston County Superior Court. Governor Gregiore was not called to serve in the criminal case involving theft, forgery and bail jumping. This is the second time the Governor has been called to jury duty. When she was Attorney General of Washington State she was summoned, but not selected to serve.

Apparently, being Governor is a good reason to not serve on jury duty.

This isn’t the first time a Washington State Governor has been called to jury duty. In 2000 Governor Gary Locke was summoned to jury duty, but was not selected.

Below is the press release from the Governor’s office.

The Governor was called for jury duty this morning. No, I am not kidding. She is currently at the Thurston County Courthouse and will be there until she is called to serve or dismissed. As a result, this morning’s press conference is postponed. I hope to reschedule the press conference for later this morning. Once I know that information I will let you know ASAP.

In the meantime, can you please continue to honor the embargo until we have a new time for presser.

Thanks,
Pearse

Pearse Edwards
Communications and External Affairs Director
Office of Governor Chris Gregoire
Olympia, WA 98504-0002