Cat on the jury Tabby Sal, a cat, has been summoned to do jury service, despite the fact that his owners told the court he was “unable to speak and understand English.” Anna Esposito wrote to Suffolk Superior Crown Court in Boston, the United States to explain that a mistake had been made, but a jury commissioner replied saying the cat named Tabby Sal “must attend.” Esposito had included a letter from her vet confirming that the cat was “a domestic short-haired neutered feline.” Tabby Sal had been entered by Esposito under the “pets” section of the last census. “When they ask him guilty or not guilty? What’s he supposed to say — miaow?” She said. Research has shown that the U.S. judicial system states that jurors are not expected to speak perfect English. Perhaps it would be sufficient for Tabby Sal to answer “miaow” to all questions! |