Say Jury Duty One More Time! Samuel L. Jackson Does His Civic Duty

Samuel L. Jackson was dismissed as a prospective juror today after telling a judge that serving on a lengthy negligence case involving a prescription drug could cause him to be in breach of contract of obligations associated with an upcoming film.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Richard Fruin read aloud a note from the actor, who said that while it was a “privilege” to be considered for the panel, his production work is scheduled to begin later this month and continue into October.

Jackson wrote that not only would he be unable to perform his role, but those associated with the film would be financially hurt.

“My inclination is to grant his request,” Fruin said.

The attorneys on both sides concurred.

After the hearing, the 66-year-old actor known for such films as “Pulp Fiction” and “Marvel’s The Avengers” said he would like to serve on a jury in the future when he has more time.

Jackson first reported for jury duty Monday and returned today. As he left the hallway outside the courtroom in the downtown civil courts building, Jackson shook hands and waved to some of the other prospective jurors.

Asked if he met some new friends, Jackson replied, “Yeah, they’re a good group of people.”

In the civil case, Marion Liu is suing Janssen Research & Development LLC. She says her 25-year-old schizophrenic son, Augustine Liu, died in February 2009 while he was a subject of an investigational drug study involving Risperdal, which is used to treat schizophrenia and certain problems caused by bipolar disorder.

City News Service; Wikimedia Commons