Jury Duty

[sargethree]

This week I have jury duty. Even though I really can't afford the time off from work I don't mind because I know it's part of my responsibility as a citizen of the U.S. What bothers me is that every person I told about it, without exception, had advice on getting out of it. I'm not going to get long-winded about this, but people bitch and complain about the government not working and the justice system being broken. But nobody wants to do their part. They just want to sit back and bitch. I'm just really disappointed.

[cheerymissy_34]

I have never been called for jury duty.....this may sound silly but i have always wanted to...i guess its my nosey side showing..lol

[Huzyerdaddi]

I've served on several juries. Admittedly, it is very inconvenient, but in every case, I walked away enlightened. Sadly, in some instances, I was enlightened to the gaps in our justice system. At any rate, it is what you make of it. It's "popular" to be derogatory, it's intelligent to be present. Use the experience to grow in some small way, you'll thank yourself later.

(if nothing else, it makes for great happy hour conversation)

[tt]

I've only served once, but went willingly. My boss supported the action as well. The only way our legal system will work is if we, as private citizens are called for jury duty.

[Penny]

Ive gone a bunch of times and never once sat on a jury. Seems like if there isnt going to be a trial why drag us in

[Huzyerdaddi]

Where I live, there is a "pool" for the day, usually 400 - 500 people. The docket might have 75 - 100 trials both civil and criminal scheduled. They initially pull about 40 people per trial randomly and go through a jury selection process...for small trials, this takes very little time. For larger ones, it could be more than a day. If you are not selected as part of the 12 + 1 alt, they send you back to the pool. I've actually gone for a day, been part of the initial 40 several times but never selected to be part of a trail (i suppose it was something I said) ;)

[spare_change]

This week I have jury duty. Even though I really can't afford the time off from work I don't mind because I know it's part of my responsibility as a citizen of the U.S. What bothers me is that every person I told about it, without exception, had advice on getting out of it. I'm not going to get long-winded about this, but people bitch and complain about the government not working and the justice system being broken. But nobody wants to do their part. They just want to sit back and bitch. I'm just really disappointed.


I congratulate you on your observation --- if you don't like the way the government works, then get involved and fix it. If you don't like the way the politicians are doing things, then tell them. If they still don't do it the way you want, vote the bastards out. Most people say that their one vote doesn't count -- of course it does. Even more so, if you get involved, make your choices known, try to convince others about your approach, you will influence others to try it your way.

I've been called for jury duty 7 times, had to go 4 times, got selected for interview twice, and been rejected both times. I think it's my deodorant (or lack of it).

[sargethree]

The only other time I have been called for jury duty I served. It was a civil jury. First person interviewed, first person selected. That was really strange to me since it was the first time I had been called for duty. It was a great experience. I really felt the gravity of the situation and a huge sense of responsibility. We 12 ordinary citizens told a company and their insurance company what they were responsible for and what they would do about the situation. I really felt like I had a voice and had the authority to make a difference.

This is only the second time I've been called and been selected both times. I guess they like my brand of deodorant.:lmao

[1hotmommy]

I have yet to do jury duty, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. Honestly, it kind of intimidates me a little.

[sargethree]

I can understand that. It was a little for me the first time. But once you get into it it's really interesting. And the court goes to great lengths to make sure you understand what you're to do. If you ever have the opportunity to serve you should do it. It's a great experience. You'll learn a lot.

[Operator Bob]

I have been selected to 3 trials! In all case it has been an awesome experience. i learned so much about the our system and worked very hard at paying attention and being a good juror. Well worth the time.

[Sneaky]

I got called twice and selected once for an armed robbery trial. I enjoyed it and learned a lot. I would do it again. I think everyone should.

[mrdiscreet]

This week I have jury duty. Even though I really can't afford the time off from work I don't mind because I know it's part of my responsibility as a citizen of the U.S. What bothers me is that every person I told about it, without exception, had advice on getting out of it. I'm not going to get long-winded about this, but people bitch and complain about the government not working and the justice system being broken. But nobody wants to do their part. They just want to sit back and bitch. I'm just really disappointed.

Hat's off to you Sarge.

We have forgotten that we are citizens, and it we care about being a real democracy, instead of just waving the stars and stripes and being spoon-fed entertainonews, we have to be engaged.

[mrdiscreet]

Hey, Sneak, if Han were really that bright, he would have bet something different!

[OICurready4me]

This week I have jury duty. Even though I really can't afford the time off from work I don't mind because I know it's part of my responsibility as a citizen of the U.S. What bothers me is that every person I told about it, without exception, had advice on getting out of it. I'm not going to get long-winded about this, but people bitch and complain about the government not working and the justice system being broken. But nobody wants to do their part. They just want to sit back and bitch. I'm just really disappointed.


i agree, wholeheartedly. I have never been called for jury duty, for whatever reason, but I would welcome the chance. I don't know why my name has never shown up on the list when I have talked to other people that have been called several times to appear. I have even considered writing a letter to the leaders stating my desire to serve but thought that it may have the reverse effect. They might look at it that I am TOO eager and be suspicious, thus disqualifying me right from the get go becasue of it. Like voting, I feel it is a citizen of the United States responsibility to be a part of jury duty, no questions asked. For someone to not to want to do their part, as a citizen, is ludicrous, in my opinion. It is refreshing to hear someone with the same attitude about jury duty as myself. Good Job Sarge!

[UltimateNaneki]

I was called for jury duty a long time ago. But it was in Montreal at the time and I was in Vancouver BC. Happy my dad refused the request. I, personately would have wanted to do it. But i was in a far and distant province,it would have been too costly.:(

[sargethree]

Thanks for the kudos mrd and OIC. I'm glad to see all the posts from folks who think this is important.

And Ulti, being that far away is a good excuse I think. Unless they let you serve over the internet? LOL

[UltimateNaneki]

Thanks for the kudos mrd and OIC. I'm glad to see all the posts from folks who think this is important.

And Ulti, being that far away is a good excuse I think. Unless they let you serve over the internet? LOL


Back in 1990, the internet was but a thought!:55

[sargethree]

An update for anyone who might be interested. Showed up in my assigned courtroom this morning with the others who had been selected. We sat around for awhile, then the judge and his clerk came out and informed us that "the case had resolved itself". Interpret as - "Someone didn't bother to show up this morning". I don't know which side it was, but there was only one person sitting up front at the plaintiff/defendant tables. I know cases are resolved sometimes right before court is scheduled to start. But this smacked of someone not bothering to show. To me it's a bit ironic that I've been talking about potential jurors not participating, then this morning one of the parties to the case decided not to participate. For all I know they may have had a good reason not to be there, but I couldn't help giving a little chuckle as I was leaving. Oh well, such is life.

[sargethree]

Thanks for the kudos mrd and OIC. I'm glad to see all the posts from folks who think this is important.

And Ulti, being that far away is a good excuse I think. Unless they let you serve over the internet? LOL

spare change, I didn't mean to sound like I ignored your post on this subject. I knew you would have some excellent thoughts. I read all your posts on these types of things and I look forward to your future posts. Thanks!