Bill Seeks To Exempt Amish From Jury Duty

Many Amish don't like to serve as jurors, and this legislation could help them in Ohio.

A bill awaiting a review by Governor Taft would allow Amish to be excused as jurors on religious grounds. Amish shun jury service because they don't want to judge others.

The intent of the exemption is to encourage more Amish to sign up to vote. Because jurors are taken from voter rolls, many Amish don't register.

Studies put Amish voter participation at less than ten percent.

An estimated 40,000 Amish live in Ohio, the most of any state.