Dutiful
04 February 2007 - 13:17 .
Remember when I mentioned about jury duty a couple weeks ago? Guess what I got selected for?
Since the trial is not a murder or anything, it shouldn't be too bad really. My work will continue to pay my salary (less the court-provided daily stipend), and I can walk to the courthouse so I'll actually save some money on fuel expense. The hours are pretty good and I should be able to at least a little bit of work from home before and after court.
Even though the court system here is a matter of public record, I'm going to refrain from providing any details about the case, lest someone do an internet search and be able to find this site (and thus identify me, if you know how to do those things). I'm also not allowed to talk about what goes on behind closed doors during deliberation. But I am allowed to offer impressions of the court system, which I'm sure to do.
Also, it's kinda cool to be taking part in the process, now that I'm in chin deep. The jury selection process was slightly more engrossing than watching sea urchins racing, but only slightly. The arraignment judge seemed pretty cranky though, and was challenging people's reasons for asking to be excused - he did with me as well. I think he was upset by the fact that with all the trials they needed juries for, there was a distressing number of people who suddenly had to go out of town. My favourite excuse given for wanting to be excused from jury duty? Someone told the judge "I have personal and ethical difficulties with lawyers and judges".
The person was excused.
Posted by Andrew on 04 February 2007 - 14:33
I understand judges being cranky - everyone wants to benefit from the system, andget a jury of their peers, but noone wants to do the work of hearing cases. I commend you for your enthusiasm.Let's just hope it lasts through the whole trial.
Posted by Jer on 04 February 2007 - 20:24
Well, we'll see how long it lasts. At least I know I'll sleep later than I have been doing, since court starts at 9:30 am.