On behalf of the State, I plead NOT GUILTY to the charges brought against Jury Duty for being a disruptive, boring, waste of time.
Before you object to that statement, let me make a case.
When since high school field trips would you ever get the day off without being penalized to visit a historical landmark for a hands-on learning experience filled with interesting people you would never meet otherwise?
So you might find yourself sitting in a room with nothing to do but wait for the judge. I say relax and enjoy! I managed to finish a book and watch the provided entertainment of “Meet the Parents” and “The Last Holiday” (which LL Cool J might need an alibi for that one…), all while sandwiched between two old men who illustrated to us first timers what jury duty used to be like before “them big screens they’s uh went up and got with our tax dollahs.”
If selected to sit on trial, assume your seat like an extra on the set of “Law and Order” (WARNING: that “DUH-DUH” sound byte will go off in your head every ten seconds).
But the acting stops there (except for maybe the defense lawyer). My faith in the people was fully restored as I stood witness to 12 completely different citizens do their best to uphold the law in a case of illegal firearms possession. It wasn’t easy but then again, determining the future of a human being shouldn’t be.
Perhaps we should welcome the inconvenience of jury duty. So it may or may not be a fun escape from work but we’re a vital component of the fairest system in the world. Should you ever end up in the defendant’s seat, wouldn’t you want someone as reasonable as you delivering the verdict?
I have never had the pleasure of participating in jury duty. I have heard of people lieing to get out of it though. I would welcome the opportunity because I consider myself to be an honest and reasonable person. I agree with your point that if we ever end up in the defendents chair, I would definitely want a reasonable honest person deciding my verdict.
It wasn’t until I owned the state money for a seat belt siltation that I was selected for jury duty. About one hundred of us arrived early in the morning to wait around. And wait around some more and then some more. I heard by noon that the twelve needed for duty were chosen and the remaining LARGE GROUP were allowed to leave. The money I received
for my time was automatically deducted from my penalty account. What an interesting day it was…waiting for the day I can really make a difference in participating and playing in the game.
With respect to Ex-Intern Steve’s trust and enthusiasm for the country’s judicial process, I must admit that my opinions on Jury Duty are very rare. With Robert’s response capturing the general sentiment of the big J-D, I hate to think this but maybe it’s only a matter of trials before I wind up agreeing with the masses and trying to avoid the summons at all costs (or just $15). Then again, it is somewhat of a needed break from the daily routine we’re so accustomed to, right?
Thanks to both of you for your responses and here’s hoping Robert that you have tons of upcoming opportunities to make a difference in participating and playing the game! Just kidding of course…
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