In reply to Anonymous.

The reasons for excusing occupations from jury duty vary. Here in Montgomery County, Maryland (suburban Washington D.C.), there is "no exemption whatsoever from jury service except for those with severe emotional or physical problems which preclude them from working and which are supported by a Dr.’s certificate and those who are 70 years of age or older who request to be excused." So not only dentists and consultants but even lawyers must serve if called. The county has a one-day, one-trial policy: if you show up the day you are called for jury duty, and are not placed on a jury, you've had your turn and will not be called again for (I believe) three years at the earliest. If you are assigned to a jury, you serve for the duration of that trial; most often it's only a day. You can, if called for duty, request deferment (e.g., because of a prior commitment such as a vacation or business trip), but cannot extend the deferments indefinitely. As for your $40 (CDN) per day, clearly that's a sign of excess. Montgomery County (pretty liberal by U.S. standards) pays $15 (US, obviously) per day. And it's taxable income.