The idea that it is smart to get out of jury duty has probably done more damage to our democracy than anything else. Abdicating the duty to sit on a jury means

The idea that it is smart to get out of jury duty has probably done more damage to our democracy than anything else. Abdicating the duty to sit on a jury means someone else will need to fill that role. When smart people apply those talents to get out of jury duty, leaving the job to someone who is "too stupid or indifferent", they produce the situation we have today of juries deciding based on emotional influences and fast-talking lawyers instead of judging the facts and the law. Yes, it can be annoying and it probably impacts your work schedule. These are insignificant costs compared to safeguarding justice and being able to exercise the most political power available regular citizens.