I'm just wondering if ADD qualifies as a medical/mental/emotion exemption from jury duty? I would think so, because you are required to sit still for a very long time.

Has anyone used their ADD to get out of Jury Duty? I called my doctor about it today but he wasn't in and is going to call back tomorrow.

I've actually spoken to a few people who have gotten out of Jurt Duty because of ADHD. I had Jury Duty last month and after I had it I was complaining about it. I was asked why I didn't get excused because of my ADHD. The person asking me told me she got a note a fews years back excusing her because of ADHD and hasn't been called since.

I didn't think I could be excused and thought the hassle of trying to get excused wouldn't be worth my time.

Whoa!!!!!

Aside from being a civic duty (if you don't sit, who does, and if you were in front of a jury, would you want the pool to include one fewer of you than it does)... jury duty is FUN, guys. Do NOT pass it up. You'll NEVER regret having sat on a jury. I guarantee it.

I sat on one once. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

I didn't actually get on a Jury. I just sat for 3 hours doing nothing!!!!

In all honestly I think my ADHD would make it hard from me to be a good juror. I have a really hard time making decisions! I also have trouble sleeping when I'm stressed and lack of sleep makes my ADHD worse!

Also I know there would be times when I would start drifting off during a trial and probably miss important info.

As a trial lawyer I can tell you that I would NOT want someone on my jury who has problems paying attention. I don't believe you could be excused by the court in my jurisdiction because of having ADD/ADHD, but if you made the judge's clerk aware of it and they brought it to the attention of the lawyers, you could probably be excused for cause.

And I've got to disagree with you Sandy about trials being FUN. I have problems paying attention myself when the evidence gets tedious and/or boring -- and it usually does. And jury instructions..... I could put my head down and go to sleep.

I've never thought about this before, but from now on it's going to be part of my questions for potential jurors. "Does anyone think they would be unable to be fair and impartial? Does anyone watch CSI, Law & Order, Court TV or COPS? Does anyone have a diagnosed case of ADD/ADHD that would make it difficult to give the evidence your full attention?"

But once word got out that ADD/ADHD gets you out of jury duty, EVERYBODY will claim to have it!

I was called in for jury duty last year and was THRILLED that I was going to have an opportunity to serve. Unfortunately, the case was postponed or something and everyone was released.

I think it comes down to the interest level one (with ADD) has for such things. Someone with ADD could potentially be the most attentive juror simply because of hyperfocus or see a perspective that many wouldn't see. I'm one of those that find people and communication fascinating. I think that would be especially so in the case of debating the guilt or innocence of an individual. I may be in the minority regarding this, but I believe there are more out there that would agree with me.

Chicky, as for becoming bored, I don't think it would be as bad as you say. Most of us rarely see a courtroom, much less an actual trial. That alone could provide enough newness to keep one of us Adders focused and stimulated for awhile. ;)

That being said, I don't believe I'd use ADD as an excuse, or even bring it up, if I thought it would limit the possiblity of me being able to serve on a jury.

I'm glad someone said it-You have a civic duty! Even if you get dismissed you have a duty to at least go. If you have a problem paying attention I'm sure attorneys will pick you as someone they want dismissed.

What I don't like hearing is people trying to use ADD/ADHD as a crutch to get out of something. I think it reflects poorly on people with ADD/ADHD.

By the way-don't you get a couple of free passes for jury duty? For reasons like "can't miss work" or something?

Chris

If as a person with ADHD I am chosen to be on a jury, are the courts legally required to grant me accomodations?

As for picking up on me not being able to pay attention that's going to be very hard for somebody to do. I've spent most of my life trying to make people think I'm paying attention when I'm not. Unless a lawyer is also a psychic he or she wouldn't be able to tell...

You underestimate attorneys and their ability to make snap judgements about people. Most good attorneys will make a judgement about your personality within a few minutes and will be 90% accurrate. What if the attorney has ADD? I can spot an ADD person very quickly.

Being able to answer questions and pay attention during the process where they choose jurors is a lot different than being able to sit and pay attention during a trial.

If as a person with ADHD I am chosen to be on a jury, are the courts legally required to grant me accomodations?

As for picking up on me not being able to pay attention that's going to be very hard for somebody to do. I've spent most of my life trying to make people think I'm paying attention when I'm not. Unless a lawyer is also a psychic he or she wouldn't be able to tell...

LOL! I can't think of any feasible accomodations that could be made for ADHD jurors. Should they get more breaks than the rest of the jurors? That would certainly mess up the process. There's no way to accomodate the ADHD juror without effecting the remaining eleven plus alternates.

Generally, jurors are allowed to take notes, which should help the attention impaired. I know it helps me stay on track when otherwise my mind might wander and cease to be entertained by lengthy testimony on lab tests or experts academic backgrounds.

If only real jury trials were as exciting as the ones on television......

I doubt that I could divine whether a juror has ADD, but I can DEFINITELY tell which jurors aren't paying attention. We pass little notes back and forth at counsel table about what the jurors are doing. Or not doing. Especially the ones that sleep.

If you were to really want to get out of jury duty I would think there are much more creative ways of getting out of serving. Maybe the attorneys can give us some of their experiences. Anyone ever shout obscenities or act extremely biased so they will be dismissed?

The more I think about the more I think I probably should have at least tried to get dismissed. Knowing what I know about how my own ADHD affects me I really I'm really glad I was not chosen to be on a Jury. My ADHD would have greatly impacted my ability to be a fair and impartial Juror.

I went to the court house having only a few hours of sleep the night before - ADHD Related.

I didn't eat breakfast or have any cofee that morning because I just assumed there were would be a Dunkin Donuts near the court house and there wasn't - ADHD Related.

Since I knew beforehand that I do have a condition which I believe would get in the way of me being a fair juror I almost think it was wrong of me not to get dismissed because of my condition. Wouldn't it be a waste of the court's time if once I was there and being interviewed I told them then instead of when I was 1st sent the summons?

The thing is that ADHD does impact people differently. I'm sure there are some people with ADHD who would make great Jurors. I just don't think I am one of them!

Nah. But really it's easy, if you don't mind looking like an a**h*le. You just tell them you have a bias based on personal experience that you believe would keep you from being fair and unbiased in weighing the evidence.

Like, in a drug case, you could say that you had a close friend or relative that died from using bad crack and you believe that all drug dealers should be dismembered on the public square.

Or that you believe that all illegal immigrants lack credibility and their testimony should not be believed.

Or play the race card. Say you're just a *****. That ALWAYS works.

Of course, before jury selection you're sworn in to tell the truth and if you lie about your prejudices, that's perjury. Guess it all depends on how bad you want to get off the panel.

There's really no way to be dismissed from a panel until you get to your assigned courtroom. Pretty much only the judge can make that decision, subject to input from the jury.

Oh my God! The Forum censors just bleeped out b....i....g...o...t.

Wouldn't want anyone to think I said something ELSE!

In Masschusetts you can send a letter from a Doctor to be excused due to medical reasons.

The thing is that ADHD does impact people differently. I'm sure there are some people with ADHD who would make great Jurors. I just don't think I am one of them!

Absolutely. I'll add that if I were summoned during a time that my meds weren't working properly, I would not want to be selected. It would be torture to me, and a disservice to everyone else.

However, I don't believe that I would want to use ADHD as an "excuse." I would seek some other avenue.

I've been thinking recently that even if ADHD is considered a "disability" I personally don't want special accommodation's because of it. This follows the line of thinking that ADD is a gift that I can benefit from. I'm not feeling right about reaping those benefits while at the same time selectively deciding when I should get accommodations.

Well I served and won't be called for about 3 years now.

ADHD sure has not been a positive gift for me. It's caused me quite a lot of challenges! The world isn't set up for the way my brain works so sometimes I choose to use accomodations!

I don't use ADHD as an excuse for anything. I use it as an explanation!

I don't use ADHD as an excuse for anything. I use it as an explanation!

Cheers! :)

ADD has definitely caused many problems for me in the past, as well as the present. I fully expect that it will further challenge me in the future. I'd hate to think that I was finally through growing mentally, physically, interpersonally, and spiritually.

Then I'd really get bored. :D

I think we can all attest to having our ADD get in the way of our lives from time to time. It has caused me some serious problems in the past, but I certainly don't use it as an excuse or an explanation.

Your ADD can work to your advantage in many areas. I'm not implying that I have it all figured out, no way, not a chance. But I do know I can't change the way I'm wired, I can only discover how I can be the best person I was meant to be. There are ADD attributes that we all have that can make us superstars in some areas. I wouldn't call ADD a disease or a disability, I would call it a secret weapon.

You are doing the right thing by coming here and talking with other people about ADD and the struggles we all go through, but also be aware and conscious that you can use ADD as an excuse (or explanation) for everything. You can start using it as an explanation as to why you failed a test, why you got stopped and ticketed for speeding, why you couldn't hold you tongue when a friend did or said something behind your back, etc. I'm not saying you do this, I'm just saying that it can take over your life if you let it. Instead, you can take over your ADD and use it to your advantage.

Chris

It took over my life and I had no control and didn't let it. I think understanding how and why my brain works like it does is very important. I know that coming here and talking about ADHD is a lot different than talking about it the "real world". I think there is a big difference be using it as an excuse for something and using it to explain how and why something happened.

Just remember that ADD isn't a thing, its inherent in who you are. In college I worked on a few projects with a girl that would explain everything away due to her ADD. It didn't matter what it was, but her ADD made her do it. You make you do it. I made myself get poor grades in school. When I finally figured out how I needed to study and what behaviors I had to change to make myself study and learn the material I got good grades. I made myself do it.

I'm not getting on your case, I'm just trying to get you to look at yourself in a different way. Again, I'm in no way saying I have it all figured out, I don't.

Chris

First of all you do not know me or know how I look at myself. I also don't think it's fair of you to tell me or anybody else for that matter that ADD can be a secret weapon. ADHD is a neurobiological condition and it's not a simple as just making yourself do something!I did not make myself get poor grades in school!! I didn't understand how my brain worked and had not learned strategies that worked with my own brain wiring.

ADD is never going to be my secret weapon! Don't get me wrong I have strengths and am good at many things. If you believe that ADHD is your secret weapon then good for you. Please do not try and tell me how to think or how I should view ADHD.

I'm sorry if I offended you. But, remember your are the one asking about using ADD as an excuse to get out of jury duty.

Good luck

One of the questions on the questionaire says are you medically or physically unable to fulfill the commitment of jury duty? And I said yes. And it said I have 30 days to submit an exemption form from my doctor. So Once I get that, then I'm sure I won't have to do it.
I would much rather be at WORK, or enjoying a day off from work. Jury duty would make me want to stab myself in the eyes

Good luck, you should not have any problems with a medical exemption from your treating physician.

I'm on the fence with jury duty. It's my civic duty. It would be fun. I would not have to go to work yet I'd still get duty benefits. But, I'd have to pay attention all day to details and try to take notes and ruminate about it all night long to make sense of what I heard. The deliberating process would be a nightmare trying to listen and make sense of all the other jurors, as I tune out the more convo there is in a room.

I am not ashamed or afraid to admit that I feel I would not be "competent" to have someone's fate put in my hands.

I'm sorry if I offended you. But, remember your are the one asking about using ADD as an excuse to get out of jury duty.

Good luck
Ummm...No I was not. I was responding to somebody else's question. I served Jury Duty last month!

I can see myself answering the first question:

"I'm sorry Judge but I forgot to tell anyone in time before I got here late (because I got lost on the way) that I'm allergic to prevaricators ... really bad hives ... but I do love the way bees interact ... that whole sociobiology thing ... in college once I dated this real hottie ...

JUDGE: "Excused."

Tons of people do things everyday they don't want to do. Jury duty just isn't that bad.

For me personally I'd feel like a jacka## trying to tell them I can't serve jury duty because I can't pay attention.

I wonder how many service men in Iraq tried pulling the ole ADD card...

I doubt it.

Your ADD would have to be pretty bad. (e.g. on disability for it; can't function hardly at all in daily self-care; can't hold a job due to symptoms)

You'd likely need a Doctor's Letter saying your medical condition interferes with your ability to do the most basic participation (e.g. listening and memory).

Juries, remember, are often the "average Joes" of the community. They aren't looking for rocket scientists.

When I was in nursing school, I got a letter for Jury Duty. My professor had to write me a letter saying I would lose my year of school if I had to miss full-time classes and clinical hours due to Jury Duty. (Guess I was 'excused' for it b/c I never heard back after that Fax went to the courthouse!)

Why do you want out of Jury Duty? (Got any better reasons? e.g. hate crooks)

Hi,

I also have social anxiety disorder with my ADD so a courtroom setting would make me unconfortable and the potential to set me off in to a panic attack !

There are lots of other "civils" that dont have mental medical problems and so you shouldn't worry about not being able to go ! You would be medically unfit to make "sound" decisions ...and the last thing you want to do is stuff around with someones impending judgement in a court of law because you "weren't" paying attention and made a decision you are / were unsure about !

Get your Dr to write you a letter and send it in !

They will excuse you !

You are a "genuine" case, not looking to "get off" cause you dont want to be "bothered!"...

of course you can say you were narcoleptic.
or you can say you were a vigilante in your past life and you'd love to serve
or you can say "sure, can I sell tickets?"
or you can say "sure, let me bring a pad and paper because I'm looking to write a book"

The people I know whose doctors wrote them letters and got excused are "high functioning".


I doubt it.

Your ADD would have to be pretty bad. (e.g. on disability for it; can't function hardly at all in daily self-care; can't hold a job due to symptoms)

You'd likely need a Doctor's Letter saying your medical condition interferes with your ability to do the most basic participation (e.g. listening and memory).

Juries, remember, are often the "average Joes" of the community. They aren't looking for rocket scientists.

When I was in nursing school, I got a letter for Jury Duty. My professor had to write me a letter saying I would lose my year of school if I had to miss full-time classes and clinical hours due to Jury Duty. (Guess I was 'excused' for it b/c I never heard back after that Fax went to the courthouse!)

Why do you want out of Jury Duty? (Got any better reasons? e.g. hate crooks)

To the person that left me the anonymous negative rep point because my post in this thread was "not the same thing":

Congratulations Captain Obvious. I never stated as much.

The original poster's only stated reason for wanting to get out of jury duty and use ADD as the reason was " I would much rather be at WORK, or enjoying a day off from work. Jury duty would make me want to stab myself in the eyes".

I don't get how that is a valid reason for not wanting to participate.

After being to court way too much in the last several years. I really don't know what the answer is, to the problem of needing jurors who don't wont to go.

What I saw happen in my sisters family case was this: My sisters daughter has been molested by her grandfather and father. I know unbelievable but true. At this time she had not told that her own father had done stuff to her, just her grandfather.

My sister was trying to get custody of her daughter with the father only having supervised visitation as he could not be trusted to keep his daughter away from his father. There was so much proof of what was going on that this should have been a slam dunk case.

What happened was there was a woman on the jury who worked for a Pdoc and convinced everyone how important it was for the child to not be taken from her father that it would be too damaging. She worked in a pdoc office as a secretary.

We overheard most of the jurors complaining as to how long the trial was taking and they had to get back to work and just could not do this anymore. They were very resentful. My sisters lawyer was mistakenly very long winded and by the end the trial the jurors hated him. They ruled for joint custody and believed the judge would take care of the problem of her being around the grandfather??????

When my sister talked later, to one of the jurors, she asked her how this happened. Her words exactly were the jurors just didn't get it and were convinced by the pdoc secretary (like she is an expert) that it would be better for them to rule joint custody. They all agreed that the grandfather had molested her but that the judge would take care of that issue. She also talked about how they did not want the trial to go on another week.

Of course my niece's life has been totally affected by their decision and she would have done much better in front of a judge. This is still in court with another trial pending because of what her father has been doing now. This problem seems to run in their family. Hopefully this will not happen again.

The point I want to make though, is of the importance for for there to be good jurors. For them to pay attention. For them not to get distracted by the fact they are missing work or what ever. The truth of this matter though is most people live pay check to pay check, they really cant miss that much work and may not make rent or buy groceries if they do. Would I want people like that on my jury? no way.

I would not want anyone there that did not want to be there. Employers should have to pay wages when people have jury duty. Many people have issues going because the juror pay does not cover their immediate expenses. They have to have dollars in their pocket at that moment for gasoline and expenses and dependable transportation to get there. That rules out many people, others are contract labor, and have small businesses they just started and they have to be there.

Bottom line if someone wants to use as an excuse, or believes their ADD/ADHD is so bad that they will be a bad juror it would be better that they do not serve.

I personally do not believe my ADD is that bad. We have had two attorneys on this forum answer this and they do jury selection.

Court rooms are not exciting I am not a lawyer but work for CPS and hate going to court especially doing the Preventative side afterwards.

I've been excused from jury duty on medical grounds.. like someone mentioned, the summons had a form and I was supposed to reply if I couldn't serve on medical grounds. I read the criteria, and honestly, I wanted to serve. But I couldn't in all honesty say that I would be able to. That feels pretty lousy. I wasn't thinking about whether I'd be a good juror, or whether it was important to me to serve (it is to an extent) but whether I could sit still and pay attention for X number of hours as specified in the documentation from the court. Geez, I can't even make it through meetings/classes/etc without having to get up/fidget/pee etc much sooner than other people!

I have to pay attention at work so jury duty wouldn't be any different. I don't think my doctor would sign me off for medical reasons due to ADHD. I've only been selected for one jury, but it was short-lived because the plaintiff failed to appear and I was so disappointed.

I have never even been called for jury duty, thank God. One of the reasons I do not register to vote. Having had experienced being in a courtroom accompanied with an attorney I can say two things. One I damn sure would NOT want anybody on the jury deciding my innocence or guilt that was there because they thought it was "FUN!!!???" And I certainly would not want someone on the jury that was not going to be capable of giving total focus and concentration when my attorney was speaking. If you wanted to daydream while the prosecutor talked that would be just fine with me. Please tell the Judge that you have ADD and do not think you are capable of paying attention or focusing well enough to even be on the jury. And I am willing to bet you will be dismissed! Try looking at it from the point of view or pretend YOU are the defendent.

This thread says more about how well our ADHD symptoms are being managed than it does about the ability of someone with ADHD to be a valuable member of a jury.

Really? I don't get that at all from this thread.

I think part of managing ADHD well is understanding our weaknesses and how they affect others.


This thread says more about how well our ADHD symptoms are being managed than it does about the ability of someone with ADHD to be a valuable member of a jury.

Really? I don't get that at all from this thread.

I think part of managing ADHD well is understanding our weaknesses and how they affect others.

I want to be able to participate in everything the world has to offer.

Disability laws are in place in order for people to do that. Ramps are built for those in wheelchairs, sign-language interpreters are provided for those who can't hear... the list goes on and on.

All of these were enacted for the sole purpose of assisting those with disabilities to be able to participate/accomplish anything a "normal" person would.

But if that deaf person doesn't learn sign-language, they aren't using all the tools available to them to function "normally."

With the proper medication, self-awareness, exercise, diet, (list goes on & on), there is no reason someone should NOT be able to participate in LIFE.

I'm not trying to be harsh. I understand that many know what their particular limits are and respect that. But personally, I want to use my talents/gift within the "normal" world, not use it as an excuse.

By all means, if a person is aware that they would not be able to serve on a jury because of their ADHD, I hope hat they wouldn't. But that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be doing everything possible to manage their ADHD so that they could.

I want to be able to participate in everything the world has to offer.

Disability laws are in place in order for people to do that. Ramps are built for those in wheelchairs, sign-language interpreters are provided for those who can't hear... the list goes on and on.

All of these were enacted for the sole purpose of assisting those with disabilities to be able to participate/accomplish anything a "normal" person would.

But if that deaf person doesn't learn sign-language, they aren't using all the tools available to them to function "normally."

With the proper medication, self-awareness, exercise, diet, (list goes on & on), there is no reason someone should NOT be able to participate in LIFE.

I'm not trying to be harsh. I understand that many know what their particular limits are and respect that. But personally, I want to use my talents/gift within the "normal" world, not use it as an excuse.

By all means, if a person is aware that they would not be able to serve on a jury because of their ADHD, I hope hat they wouldn't. But that doesn't mean that they shouldn't be doing everything possible to manage their ADHD so that they could.
Be careful what you ask for you just might get it. It is very easy and very simple to "participate" in the court system, break a law is all it takes and your wish will be granted.

There is nobody in the world that is able to participate in everything and do everything well. The court system will not allow for many people to use helpful accommodation's during a trial. They will not allow for me to get up and walk around every 20 minutes like I can in most other situations. They are not going to allow me to question the person sitting beside me and ask them what was just said.

A jury trial is not ADHD-Friendly and we are less than 5% of the population. There's no reason for them to become more ADHD-Friendly. It's a system that's set up to go against the way my brain works and it also a system that wants me to put somebody else's life in my hands.

I don't function like a normal person and nor do I thrive like a normal personal. However I do function and thrive. I didn't get this way by trying to be normal.

If somebody's life wasn't at stake if I was juror than that's one of those things I would just grit my teeth and get through. I know that I have a very hard time making decisions. I really don't want to just flip a coin to decide somebody else's fate.

There is nobody in the world that is able to participate in everything and do everything well.

I believe our differences on this subject are rooted in the deeper core beliefs we have, Tara. And that is okay.

I don't expect to participate in everything, but I do expect the opportunity. I don't expect to do everything well, but I will do it to the best of my ability.

The word "can't" is not in my vocabulary when it comes to my potential and what I can do in my life. Nor are "never", "give up" or "defeat".

I don't function like a normal person and nor do I thrive like a normal personal. However I do function and thrive. I didn't get this way by trying to be normal.

We are the same. I think differently than most, act and react differently, I am different from a normal person. I also thrive as you do. And I do not claim to be normal, nor do I try to fit in with how society says I should be. That would bore me to death.

But I do constantly look at ways that I can improve myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I do that for me and no one else. I do it because I want to be the best ME I possibly can.

I've already stated that I believe and respect anyones decision to not serve on a jury, for whatever the reason, be it external or internal. I am also aware that it does pose challenges for us with ADHD, myself included.

Simply put, whether it's jury duty, or climbing Everest, I have faith in my abilities and belief in my perseverance to accomplish any goal I set for myself despite my ADHD.

I wish the same for you and everyone else.

How normal people function is subjective at best. "They" don't all follow a book or manual.

If I were to be the one not so lucky to be called defendant, I'd want a jury of completely inattentive people and hope for a mistrial.

Jury duty is not brain surgery. I'm fairly certain there are folks that are medically unable to participate. As to whether or not the OP can, is not really for us to ... judge.

Really? I don't get that at all from this thread.

I think part of managing ADHD well is understanding our weaknesses and how they affect others.True, but not all people with ADHD are incapable of doing a good job on a jury. We are discussing ADHD, not co-morbid conditions. I am not permitted to take a walk every twenty minutes during my work day; that's why I take medication.

Pardon my French, but this victim mentality is crap. Someone wrote a concerned post about their nephew who has Tourette's Syndrome with severe tics and he is concerned about the nephew missing school because of the tics. Dr. Mort Doran is Canada's Mr. Tourette's. His tics are SEVERE, but that hasn't stopped him from being a very successful surgeon who flies his own plane. Dr. Doran lectures all over the continent and gives one of the best explanations of the human brain and what happens with neurological disorders. Oliver Sacks used Dr. Doran as an example in one of his books. Dr. Doran also has ADHD and if I'm ever at trial, I sure as hell hope he's on the jury!

I
I think it comes down to the interest level one (with ADD) has for such things. Someone with ADD could potentially be the most attentive juror simply because of hyperfocus or see a perspective that many wouldn't see. I'm one of those that find people and communication fascinating. I think that would be especially so in the case of debating the guilt or innocence of an individual. I may be in the minority regarding this, but I believe there are more out there that would agree with me.



That would be me! I am able to hyperfocus incredibly well and would make a great jury duty person! :D

I have been called for jury duty twice, and both times the cases ended up being continued or some such thing - so I didn't end up actually serving. While it may be an inconvenience, I do think it would be interesting (to some degree). Of course I don't expect it is going to be like Law and Order, but I am sure doing something that benefits my community (yeah, yeah, civic duty) would be something I could be proud of at the end of the day. Granted, I am a nurse, and feel that I do plenty to help my fellow man (at least some of the time I have job satisfaction), and community.

I agree with whomever said that we shouldn't use ADHD as a crutch, and would like to believe that I could focus long enough to help determine guilt or innocense (sp?).

Thanks for an interesting topic.

Are you saying I am acting like a victim? I do not have a victim mentality at all. I have a very realistic and maybe cynical mentality at times but not victim.

Also, it's a bit hard to talk about ADHD and not in include discussion of co-existing conditions since the majority of people with ADHD also have co-existing conditions. I do also have co-existing anxiety and in all honesty I'm not sure which condition would make a a worse juror.

I never said all! Several of my posts in this thread I stated I was talking about myself and my own brain. ADHD does affect everybody differently! For those if you who understand your own minds and think that would be able to be a fair juror good for you!

I don't think it's fair to judge and look down on those people who think that their condition(s) would prevent them from being a fair juror. Even though we all (most of us here) have ADHD, it doesn't mean it affects us the same way.

I will repeat this again...I served Jury Duty in April but didn't get placed on a trial. I didn't get a note from a doctor excusing me. However if/when I get called in another 3+ years from now, it may be something I will consider doing next time after looking long and hard at whether or not I think I can be a fair juror.

True, but not all people with ADHD are incapable of doing a good job on a jury. We are discussing ADHD, not co-morbid conditions. I am not permitted to take a walk every twenty minutes during my work day; that's why I take medication.

Pardon my French, but this victim mentality is crap. Someone wrote a concerned post about their nephew who has Tourette's Syndrome with severe tics and he is concerned about the nephew missing school because of the tics. Dr. Mort Doran is Canada's Mr. Tourette's. His tics are SEVERE, but that hasn't stopped him from being a very successful surgeon who flies his own plane. Dr. Doran lectures all over the continent and gives one of the best explanations of the human brain and what happens with neurological disorders. Oliver Sacks used Dr. Doran as an example in one of his books. Dr. Doran also has ADHD and if I'm ever at trial, I sure as hell hope he's on the jury!

Also, it's a bit hard to talk about ADHD and not in include discussion of co-existing conditions since the majority of people with ADHD also have co-existing conditions. I do also have co-existing anxiety and in all honesty I'm not sure which condition would make a a worse juror.

ADHD AND COEXISTING (OR ASSOCIATED) DISORDERS

COMORBIDITY



The word "comorbidity" is the technical or medical term for having coexisting disorders.



Estimates vary as to the rate of comorbidity with ADHD. Most sources cite that between one-half to two-thirds of children/teens diagnosed with ADHD have at least one other major disorder.



In the landmark Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (1999), researchers found that two-thirds of children with ADHD also met criteria for at least one other psychiatric disorder, and those other disorders caused significant impairment above and beyond the impairment caused by ADHD.

THE ADHD BOOK OF LISTS
Sandra F. Rief

I'm confused did you copy and paste this this to disagree with what I said or support what I said?

ADHD AND COEXISTING (OR ASSOCIATED) DISORDERS

COMORBIDITY



The word "comorbidity" is the technical or medical term for having coexisting disorders.



Estimates vary as to the rate of comorbidity with ADHD. Most sources cite that between one-half to two-thirds of children/teens diagnosed with ADHD have at least one other major disorder.



In the landmark Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (1999), researchers found that two-thirds of children with ADHD also met criteria for at least one other psychiatric disorder, and those other disorders caused significant impairment above and beyond the impairment caused by ADHD.

THE ADHD BOOK OF LISTS
Sandra F. Rief

I'm confused did you copy and paste this this to disagree with what I said or support what I said?Tara, I did not copy and paste anything. I just recently purchased THE BOOK OF LISTS on the recommendation of members of ADDForums. I'm happy to share information and have received positive feedback for doing so.

I think an ADHD'ers ability to serve would depend on the type of case. I could hyperfocus on a cast of colorful characters and vivid action scenes. I could not listen probably even 75% to days of technical minutiae in some patent dispute.