In regards to how to handle jury duty, I assume that the mother checked the laws of her state to see if there were any other exemptions that would apply. That is the FIRST step. For instance, Florida exempts all parents at home caring for children under the age of 6, so brf. mothers don't have a problem here. If there are no other exemptions, then educating the Judge is just about all that can be done. I don't believe a standard letter is the solution, but rather giving information based on the case at hand. It is very different based on the age of the child. For instance, educating the Judge about Iowa's law exempting breastfeeding mothers may help. And that came about NOT with an infant, but a toddler. Other materials to share with the Judge are "Breastfeeding Makes a Difference", the 95 Breastfeeding Fact Sheet, all available from LLLI. Most Leaders have these also. I was amused by Dr. Ahrendsen's suggestions, but keep in mind that some courts don't allow babies in the courtroom AT ALL. This is true in Miami. If the mother brings the baby to the courtroom, and it is not allowed, she has much worse problems to worry about than jury duty ...! It is a concern about the age of the baby. Our society is not supportive of breastfeeding. However, I am not aware of any case that alleged child abuse/neglect for nursing at age 2. I have had mothers reported for nursing a 4, 5, 6, and even an 8 year old, and EVERY ONE OF THOSE CASES was resolved on the breastfeeding issue - in other words, the Social Service Agency did NOT find it to be abuse/neglect for nursing as late as age 8! Back to the issue at hand: 1. One can let the judge know that the mother and baby will have a very difficult time separating, and if she is breastfeeding enough to have a good milk supply, educate on leaking, need to pump, breaks to pump or nurse.The mother can take the baby to the courthouse and have someone ride elevators, etc. until break time when she can nurse, but I don't recommend bringing the baby into the courtroom unless you know that is OK. However, there is one case where the judge allowed the mother to nurse her baby during jury duty! 2. Try to get the judge to help solve the problem - take baby with? Baby in hall for breaks? Place to pump? Put off till baby older? Keep in mind that most lawyers won't want you on the case if you are so distracted about your baby that you can't concentrate ... Leaders, remember to contact your APL with these cases. I believe that someone in the PL dept. did write a letter for a mother, and it might have been in your area! Liz PS I had a GREAT time in New England! I really miss seeing the trees turn - it was just beautiful!! Elizabeth N. Baldwin, Esq. 305-944-9100 Home office: 305-940-7873 Fax: 305-949-9029 E-mail: [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] Attorney specializing in breastfeeding and the law; Leader; LLLI Legal Advisory Council