Jury Duty

After 22 years of adulthood, I finally was called for jury duty. The county clerk wanted me to serve back in January at the end of the academic semester. That would have caused significant difficulties for my school district, so I asked for, and was granted, a rescheduling / postponement to this week. Although I wasn’t thrilled about having to be away from my new job (in my second week), it worked out to be a good time to be away. My library/office is closed to the public this week for administrative catch up and preparations for the upcoming academic year.

So, the morning started off in the brand new courthouse building – snazzy interior. As always, I arrived way early. I had a great book to read and settled into the waiting room to get through a few chapters before the process began. Of course, there was an older gentleman talking, talking, talking with another juror as if it were his first opportunity to be with people in years. Perhaps it was. I just couldn’t concentrate on my book. His loud conversation on his colonoscopy was just the last straw. I got up and moved into the larger juror waiting/presentation room. Finally a bit of quiet or at least softer conversations between people. Once it was time for the basic information delivery of the process, people from the smaller waiting room and halls joined us in the larger room. In a room able to accommodate at least 200 people, with 1/3 of the chairs empty, guess who sat down next to me? Yeah, colon-talking-guy, and he smelled a little funny, too. I just focused on the directions and presentation (a cheesy talking head video).

My group was called up right away and sent up to a main courtroom. I was called for the original 23 jurors from which the court members (defense/prosecutor) would choose the final 12. The case was a criminal case & involved domestic violence, so while questions were addressed to potential jurors, I had to mention my study and classroom work in this area, especially my classes focusing on social justice (gender issues). I also had to note that I was involved in women’s group activities (i.e., Take Back the Night planning). I did emphasize that I believed I could be impartial, but the concern was raised. Big surprise—I was not selected to serve on the final jury.

Those of us not selected were sent back to the reception area. We were done for service. Although I am honestly thankful that I did not need to serve on a jury for this particular criminal case, I wish that I had been able to see the process all the way through. It was interesting – slow going with all the directions – but interesting.

If you are called to serve. Be on time! Dress in layers. Take good reading materials or spend some time journaling. Make sure you know how to turn off your cell phone. Take along all of your patience. Oh, and brush your teeth – the person sitting next to you will appreciate it.