In People v. Wilson , during jury selection for Dwayne Wilson's criminal trial, a prospective juror asked to be excused because he was a business owner. When questioned, the juror explained it would be difficult for him to serve but, if he had to do so, he was committed to his civic duty.
After the defense unsuccessfully challenged the juror for cause, Wilson was later convicted by the Schenectady County Court of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third degree.
On appeal, Wilson questioned the challenge's denial but the Appellate Division, Third Department, could find no error. It observed that a "[s]light interference with employment or inconvenience related to sitting on a jury are insufficient grounds to support a challenge for cause."
Since almost everyone "is inconvenienced by taking a week or more away from one's work or normal routine," that, in and of itself, was an insufficient basis upon which to seek a juror's disqualification.
Isn't that an inconvenient truth ?
To download a copy of the Appellate Division's decision, please use this link: People v. Wilson