Doing My Civic Duty
January 07, 2013
I was chosen for a jury today, and tomorrow I’ll be at the
trial—so 2013 is starting off with a dose of adventure. I don’t know exactly why,
but I find the whole jury duty process stressful. Possibly because I’m in an unfamiliar
environment with a lot of unknowns: Will I get lost driving downtown and be
late for my summons? Will I have to stand up and talk in front of 29 other
prospective jurors and the court officers? Will I get a lunch break? Will I be
chosen for a jury? Will the trial be long and drawn out and, oh my gosh, will
we be sequestered?! (I know, I watch too many crime shows on TV.)
No, yes, yes, it’s not supposed to be, and no. So hopefully, I’ll be back with you
here on Wednesday.
Unless I’m sequestered, of course.
10 comments
Good for you, for doing your civic duty! Too many people try every excuse they can to get out of it. Have you ever been called before? You'll have to tell us of your experiences (in general terms, of course).
ReplyDeleteI've never made it to a trial! How exciting - unless you're the defendant of course. Keep us posted - make Mr. Erle Stanley Gardner proud!
ReplyDeleteHmmm, hope you have a sweater and a good book to read!
ReplyDeleteKrista--I've been called several times before when I couldn't go, gone once before when I wasn't picked for a jury, and this time, when I did get picked for a jury. I think it's time they picked on someone else! It wasn't that bad, and I was lucky to have a very short trial. Nothing terribly interesting to report, however.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth--It's eye-opening to spend a few hours at the courthouse, and I always feel very grateful that it's an unusual circumstance and that I'm not the one being prosecuted!
ReplyDeleteLaure--You're not kidding--the courtroom was freezing. I wore my jacket the whole time. And, of course, I had my book with me!
ReplyDeleteI've only been called for jury duty once, and wasn't chosen for any trials. But I find it stressful too - probably because I try in my normal life not to judge other people. It is our civic duty, but that doesn't mean we have to enjoy it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHang in there and take your own comforts -- reading, snacks, and warmth!!
ReplyDeleteCheryl--I can't say that I enjoyed the process, but this time, at least, it wasn't too stressful. We were done by 1 p.m. yesterday, and the case was a simple one, though sad. As I suppose most of them are to some extent.
ReplyDeleteClaire--That's exactly what I did! It felt less stressful to know that I was babying myself a little through what was for me a worrying experience.
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