FORUM

I did Jury service a few years ago and actually quite enjoyed it. I wasn't however self employed though so the day rate didn't matter so much work paid the difference anyway.

Take a folder of legal-looking papers with the words "CLIVE PONTING CASE"* in large friendly letters on the cover. Appear to be engrossed in it while you're waiting to be called, making sure the prosecutor can see the title. In the USA, even hinting that you've heard of "jury nullification" is enough to get you struck from the panel.

* You may remember that a jury found Mr Ponting not guilty of charges under the Official Secrets Act, in spite of the judge directing it to return a guilty verdict. They wouldn't want that happening again.