The summons started out with a threat and coercion stating, “Failure to appear may subject you to punishment for contempt of court.” It said you had to appear before a judge to be excused. It also stated that I was served a copy of the summons even though I got it in the mail, and the sender wanted me to sign and return it. No envelope or stamp was enclosed.
First off, when I was in law enforcement, threatening and coercion were arrestable offenses. Second, I already was excused from the county jury duty rolls years ago for being 100-percent disabled and didn’t see why I should be burdened with all the extra expenses.
Two weeks ago, I got a call from the lieutenant governor’s office stating that it got my note regarding the summons. I was told to write the Supreme Court because they had no jurisdiction. I told them I wrote to the governor as my representative to send it on to the proper party to address. They passed the buck to the governor.
A week later I got a message on my answering machine from the governor’s office. I responded but didn’t hear back, so I sent a fax with the letter I wrote to the governor outlining the problem, and added some solutions, such as putting a code on all jury duty rosters for exempt people.
Two days later, I had a conversation with an overbearing woman from the governor’s office who kept talking over me while I tried to explain what I did. She basically gave me the bum’s rush.
At this point, it isn’t clear if they will do anything. So much for being represented.
Gregory J. Topliff
Warrenville, S.C.
















