Atheists on Jury Duty in Alabma

[Joel Sogol]

It seems to me that although the SCOTUS gave lip service to the "right of
jurors not to be discriminated against" (Batson/race and JEB/gender), there
is no practical way for you to raise the issue.  In all the cases I have
seem, it is raised by one of the parties via objection to the strike, and
then followed up on appeal.  I believe you would have all kinds of problems
with standing, not to mention who you sue in the first place.

Out of curiosity, I wonder if you would email me off list and share who was
involved. 

Joel
Joel L. Sogol
Attorney at Law
811 21st Ave.
Tuscaloosa, ALabama  35401
ph (205) 345-0966
fx (205) 345-0971
email:  jlsatty at wwisp.com
 
Ben Franklin observed that truth wins a fair fight - which is why we have
evidence rules in U.S. courts.
 
-----Original Message-----
From: religionlaw-bounces at lists.ucla.edu
[mailto:religionlaw-bounces at lists.ucla.edu] On Behalf Of CAROL MOORE
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 2:23 PM
To: religionlaw at lists.ucla.edu
Subject: Atheists on Jury Duty in Alabma
Importance: High



I have been rejected as a juror, just this week, after having been selected
and seated because, when I approached the Circuit Court Judge about my
inability to say the oath with "so help me god" at the end of it, he asked
the prosecutor and defense attorney to vote on it (and this is after opening
arguments, mind you).  I stated my willingness to serve and to talk an
alternative oath.  The defense attorney refused, saying he could not have a
juror who did not believe in god (the case was drunk & disorderly, resisting
arrest).  I was removed (which, if one is actually looking for way to duck
jury duty, this one was easy).  My question to you all, besides being an
obvious violation the US Constitution, is this worth pursuing?  
Carol Moore, list reader  

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