Juror Who Skips Out On Trial Receives Unusual Fine

In March of 2012, Scott Enke had been selected to serve and did serve as a juror for five days at a criminal trial in the Dirksen Federal Building. However, instead of finishing his jury service by serving for the duration of the trial, Mr. Enke decided to skip the remainder of the trial to attend an important business meeting in Iowa. While an alternate took his place and the trial was able to be completed, Mr. Enke returned home to later face a hearing for contempt.

U.S. District Chief Judge James Holderman, who presided over the hearing, could have sentenced Mr. Enke to a few days in jail. But, instead he ordered that Mr. Enke : a) pay the maximum possible fine of $1,000; b) share his “unique story” at a legal symposium about jury service; and c) write an essay about his experience. Judge Holderman further told Mr. Enke: “…You are performing a public service just by explaining this to (people)…You are living your public service.” After Judge Holderman provided Mr. Enke with details of the symposium, Mr. Enke replied: “I won’t forget. Trust me.”

For more information concerning this story, see: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-07-11/news/ct-met-juror-sentencing-20120711_1_jury-duty-jury-service-plainfield-man