I had to go for jury duty Monday, after working until 10 the night before and finally getting to sleep around 2 am. I somehow managed to drag myself out of bed at 6:30 so I could get some coffee in me an get downtown by 8:30.
There were about 300 potential jurors in the room, so I hoped they wouldn't need me. I dozed in an uncomfortable chair while wishing I had gotten a Windows laptop instead of the Chromebook. I could have worked on a few songs in SONAR.
 
My name was called, along with 40-some other folks. We filed out to the elevators, but they were so crowded I decided to take the stairs. The court room was only 4 floors above, so I thought it would be a piece of cake. It wasn't. Each floor was high-ceilinged so the 4 floors seemed like 8 to my legs and lungs. I arrived out of breath and cramping.
Twelve names were called to be questioned by the DA and defense attorney to determine their suitability for this trial, a drug-trafficking case. After all 12 were grilled, the defense attorney rejected 3 of them.The judge asked the clerk to select 3 more, and I was the first one called.
 
The DA started with me, asking if I ever knew anyone who used drugs, if I knew anyone in law enforcement, a little personal history, then she went to the other 2 newbies.
When she was done, the judge called a recess for lunch. It was about 1:15 and he said for everyone to return at 2:30.
I walked around downtown and found a Subway and got a turkey sandwich with olives, lettuce and mustard.  Walked a little more then called work to let them know I wouldn't be in (scheduled for 2).
 
I had assumed that the defense attorney would reject me due to my past relationships with people who used drugs and alcohol to excess, and by my brother being a corrections officer. But it was the DA who excused me as soon as court was in session. She also excused a lady whose brother had been addicted to oxy contin (sp?) one of the drugs the defendant was accused of selling.
 
Back to the jury assembly room we wnt where the clerk released us with a "see you in 2 years!"
 
My duty has been done. Again. I was rejected for jury duty once before, in the mid-80s.
 
I am eagerly awaiting my check for my service.

57Gregy
There were about 300 potential jurors in the room

 
Wow..is that the norm? Never been called myself, but I took my daughter to the courts when she was called and there were approx 25-30 people waiting. (small town though)

I've been in those jury cattle calls as well. I never got to the point where I was asked any questions. I only got as far as waiting until lunchtime to be told to go away. 
 
I never try to get out of jury duty. I consider it one of those civic responsibilities that we all share. Besides, it's hard to find a vending machine with food that old outside of a bus terminal.

As interesting as some cases might be (if serving on a jury), the hassle of going downtown/parking/traffic/busy court rooms/shady characters etc....isn't my cup of tea. However, I have been on a jury for a robbery case and did like seeing the whole conviction process.......but, one time is enough.  

I don't see how it could be a good thing that either the prosecution or defence get to choose who is on the jury.  Isn't it supposed to be random?

Karyn
I don't see how it could be a good thing that either the prosecution or defence get to choose who is on the jury.  Isn't it supposed to be random?

I believe each side islooking for their slant under the guise of neutrality.

Around here, when you get called you can basically just tell them "I'm busy at the moment, but I'll be available in..." and they're OK with that (one time).
 
Then you tell them you're happily available in July/August.
 
You know, when lots of judges and lawyers and prosecutors are on vacation and there are much fewer cases.

Just ask them to explain how "jury nullification" works... you'll be done! I hope to actually get the chance use jury nullification one day. Maybe on a pot possession case, something like that. I'd DO IT!
 
J

57Gregy
 
My name was called, along with 40-some other folks. We filed out to the elevators, but they were so crowded I decided to take the stairs. The court room was only 4 floors above, so I thought it would be a piece of cake. It wasn't. Each floor was high-ceilinged so the 4 floors seemed like 8 to my legs and lungs. I arrived out of breath and cramping.
 
 

that right there would have been my ticket out of serving because I would have passed out in the stairwell at the 3rd floor!

I am eagerly awaiting my check for my service.

they give us checks before we leave....hmm...

Karyn
I don't see how it could be a good thing that either the prosecution or defence get to choose who is on the jury.  Isn't it supposed to be random?

it starts out random with that huge group that he mentioned at the beginning, but then the prosecutor and the defense attorneys are allowed to "weed out" anyone who might have bias against the client in the other's favor.