Joseph….
Take off your NY reference glasses, it is only ONE of these 50 United States.
I live and practice law in CT.
Except for local probate (Surrogate Court for you NYers) judges, we DON’T elect judges. Judges are nominated for appointment by the Judicial Committee of the State Bar Association and confirmed by the Legislature. It is a non-political process.
Jurors are called for service in CT for 1 day. If not placed on a trial jury the are dismissed and not eligible to be called for three years. Employers MUST pay employees for 5 days of service, then the state pays if the employer does not/ Most employers of any size pay the full salary to jurors on duty.
There are very few exemptions from service in CT. the Governor, Lt. Governor and sitting judges and those over 70. Even Attorneys must report for Jury duty. I served on a criminal jury 2 years ago. It was in a district where I do not practice and before a judge I have never met.
Youngest Ms. CTL had jury duty two weeks ago. She was chosen for a jury (Civil case) but rec’d a call from the court that the parties had settled and did not have to report the second day.
Not everyone OOT looks to get out of Jury Duty, many consider it a civic responsibility of citizenship in this great country.