Jury Service and Civic Duty

Re “Easing Jury Duty’s Sting,” editorial, Aug. 3: Why is jury service any more everyone’s civic duty than being a judge, or a lawyer, or a governor or a legislator, or even an editorial writer--all of whom are essential to the well-ordered working of a democratic society, but none of whom are expected to volunteer their time or work for $5 or even $10 a day? Jurors should be paid at least the minimum hourly wage. If that means cutting the salaries of judges and other civic servants, including Gov. Wilson, and levying a tax on attorney’s fees to find the money, that’s OK.

ROBERT L. SACHS

Newport Beach

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I am glad that the state Legislature is trying to do something to relieve the financial hardship of jury service. However, for those of us fortunate enough to be able to do whatever we want with our time (retired persons, for example), there is another part of jury compensation that is so illogical it is galling.

What I am talking about is the travel expense reimbursement: 15 cents a mile--one way! What would they have me do, hitchhike home? Or sleep in my car on alternate nights? The issue is not the money (I would accept 7 1/2 cents per mile each way), but the irrationality.

KATHARINA SMITH

Canoga Park

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I have been summoned as a juror in L.A. County. I called the 800 number to ask to be transferred to a different court than the one I was assigned to, as it was a better option for me. I was told in no uncertain terms “convenience for a juror is not a reason for transfer.” Well, no wonder people are not happy to be jurors; $5 a day and inconvenience to boot. What more could anyone ask?

CHERYL STEJSKAL

Bellflower