Uptick in 'Financial Hardship' Excuse to Avoid Jury Service

Thomas Jefferson called the jury system "the only anchor yet imagined by man by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution." While Americans like jury service in principle, more and more are trying to avoid this cornerstone of American democracy, claiming "financial hardship." Now money woes inflicted by the recession have spurred even more hardship claims, especially by those who face a long trial. Carol Williams writes on legal affairs for the Los Angeles Times.