Barack Obama Got Called For Jury Duty In Chicago. He's Apparently Going.

By Stephen Gossett in News on Oct 30, 2017 3:11PM

Getty Images / Photo: Spencer Platt

Before, during and after his administration, President Barack Obama regularly made the importance of public service a focal point of his message. So it wouldn't be the best look if he, say, tried to squirm out of jury duty—time-honored tradition though such a move is. But Obama will engage in no such weaseling: the former president has reportedly been summoned to jury duty in Cook County, and he apparently plans to fulfill the call.

Obama will serve sometime in November, though the exact date, courthouse location and nature of the case are not known, according to the Tribune. And whether or not he'll even be selected remains to be seen, too, of course.

"He made it crystal-clear to me through his representative that he would carry out his public duty as a citizen and resident of this community,” said Chief Judge Tim Evans. He added that Obama would receive accommodations for his secutiry, and have "all the accouterments that accompany a former president." As it should be.

Try not to look too starstruck, fellow would-be jurors in the pool.

As NPR points out, this wouldn't be the first time a former president has been flagged for jury duty: George W. Bush was called in 2015, in Dallas (and made time for selfies); and Bill Clinton was summoned in Manhattan for a case that revolved around a gang shooting, in 2003.

And if you can't get enough of Obama the Post-White House Public Servant, the former president will be in Chicago this week for the inaugural, two-day Obama Foundation Summit. It kicks off tomorrow afternoon—and unlike Obama's jury commitments—will be livestreamed online.