First-time jury duty

Considering how many bumbling idiots in this room have had to be called up because they can't follow instructions on elementary paperwork, I've already lost confidence in the jury system.

 

As a few other posters mentioned, if it's a criminal case that's been covered by your newspaper, you might know details about the case that haven't been in print or won't be brought up in court.

Of course, if lawyers and judges understood how few journalists actually READ their own paper ...

 

As far as I could tell, I was the only one of about 70 of us that brought a book. Obviously, only read during down times. Maybe the lawyers noticed and that's why I got whacked. Or maybe they didn't like the way I looked. I was No. 12. Lady next to me was unlucky No. 13. She didn't so much as whisper and was selected.

 

As a juror, I wore shorts to court one day. Judge politely, and firmly told me not to do it again.

 

The people sitting here just staring straight ahead with nothing to do fascinate me.

 

Jury duty is a drag.
95% of trials are boring.

 

Those are the Russian agents.

 

I spent three months as foreman on a county court grand jury, reporting once a week. The judge is a friend, the DA is a better friend, three of the grand jurors are folks I knew from my reporting days, and I had a ball. When my term was up, I couldn’t figure out what to do with my Wednesdays.

 

As someone who relies upon your time, thank you. Jurors are the backbone of the fairest judicial system in the world. Without the juries, all disputes are handled and decided by a government official (judge) who could be easily influenced by the State. A jury, not so much. Juries are not perfect, for sure, but they are very much a vital part of our lives.

Do I use a jury for every case? Absolutely not, but they possibility of a jury trial is a very powerful influence that motivates litigants to get real about their claims and not fall in love with them.

In a criminal setting, I would very much prefer a trial by "a jury of my peers" rather than an institutional employee (judge).

Lastly, I respect every juror who serves. I know its a difficult task to digest everything that's presented and I would say almost all jurors I've had the pleasure of presenting my case have tried their best to reach their decision after careful consideration of the evidence presented (even though its sometimes been the wrong decision).

 

Last time I was called in my major metropolis, I was excused after the first round of questions because the intersection in question (apparently a cop rammed a civilian) was right next to my place of employment. I was disappointed, because the courtroom was rather nice.

In the jury holding room (which was destroyed by Harvey), it amused me how many doofs had to go move their cars after the clerk reminded them that they shouldn't have parked at a meter on the street. Pays to read the instructions they mail you, folks.