Jury Duty Closes Eatery For A Day

Item: Jury duty closes Meridian restaurant for one day: Restaurant owner says doing his civic duty could have destroyed his business /Brad Talbutt, Idaho Statesman

More Info: Rick Valenzuela opened his jury summons with dismay. When he arrived last week at the Ada County Courthouse, he told a judge that serving on a trial could jeopardize his business. Fourth District Judge Patrick Owen wasn’t swayed. He told Valenzuela he wouldn’t be excused from jury duty, even though serving the court meant Valenzuela wouldn’t be serving Philly cheesesteak sandwiches at Rick’s Press Room, his small Meridian restaurant. Valenzuela is the only chef in the restaurant, so the business was closed for lunch on Wednesday.

Hat Tip: Monday Morning Coffee /Treasured Valley

Question: Should the judicial system make exceptions for individuals like Valenzuela who face economic hardship if they are picked for a jury?