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Ala. Bill Would Let Seniors Opt Out Of Jury Duty

A state lawmaker has proposed legislation to allow people older than 70 to withdraw from jury pools.
Douglas Muth
/
Flickr
A state lawmaker has proposed legislation to allow people older than 70 to withdraw from jury pools.

A state lawmaker has proposed legislation to allow people older than 70 to withdraw from jury pools.

A bill proposed by Rep. Rod Scott, a Fairfield Democrat, has been discussed in the House Judiciary Committee. Scott says many seniors have trouble making it to court but some lawmakers say the legislation could pose problems in smaller counties.

Republican Rep. Mike Jones of Andalusia says he's concerned with defendants losing the ability to have their case heard by a jury of peers. The bill would allow seniors to reinstate themselves to the pool if they wished.

Montgomery County Circuit Court administrator Rob Sachar says he gets many calls from nursing homes and care providers concerned with legal ramifications if they don't make it to jury duty.

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