Madonna was sent home from jury duty in 2 hours because her fame would have thrown a wrench in the wheels of justice.

The singer showed up Monday at a NYC courthouse but was excused 2 hours later.  And get this ... she never had to sit with the commoners in the jury assembly room.  She was allowed to hang out in the clerk's office.

A court official says Madonna was released because they had more than enough jurors to fill the needs of the courts.

So the question ... if there were enough jurors why release her instead  of others?  The court official says her presence would create a distraction in the jury selection process.

So we gotta ask ...