Well, I had Jury Duty yesterday and I showed up at court at 8:00 am and they herded all of us in 'the room' to wait to see what was to be done with us. It actually is a nice big room with a TV, magazines and semi-comfortable seats. Well, my juror number was 38 and around 10:00 am, jurors 1 - 68 were called down to one of the Superior Court courtrooms. We were told the regular schmeel and was told that the trial would last two days (yesterday and today). Well I wasn't chosen and thought I dodged a bullet. We were all taken back to the room and in the meantime, the second group was taken down to the District Court and was picked and proded (sp?) to fill the civil case jury's that where needed for the day. We were let out at 12:20 for lunch and I fully believed that when I returned at 1:20, we would be able to leave (YAY!). WELL, nope. The Court Security (Bailiff) whatever you want to call them, gets up to the microphone and says to all of us "Don't bother looking at your number, you all are going downstairs". They lined us up, were told to remove all hats, shut off all cell phones and beepers and conduct ourselves as respectful adults and that the courtroom is a place of respect and we should act accordanly. I looked at one juror and said "Somehow, I don't think this is a surprise party!" lol.
We got put into another Superior Court Criminal courtroom where we were all but strip searched to pick a 14 (2 alternates) man/woman jury panel. Collectively questioned and separately questioned by the Judge, split into groups according to our juror numbers, challenged by the Prosecutor and Defense attorneys and stared down by them like an eagle spotting its next meal. The trial will last at least two days and most likely a third. This will bring it into Friday because they just picked the panel yesterday. Well, guess what, I'm serving on seat 9!
I can't tell you what the case is ('cause I'd have to kill ya, LOL), but, after hearing what the charge was, I KNEW the Asst. District Attorney would most likely want me on the panel only because I am a middle aged woman and fit the 'demographic' in favor of the victem (is that sp. right - doesn't look right, lol)
Anyway, I got to jump in the shower now and make it to Court for 9:00 am. and I'll be stuck there until 4:00. Wish me luck all!!
Oh yeah, I am proud to serve my Civic Duty!
We got put into another Superior Court Criminal courtroom where we were all but strip searched to pick a 14 (2 alternates) man/woman jury panel. Collectively questioned and separately questioned by the Judge, split into groups according to our juror numbers, challenged by the Prosecutor and Defense attorneys and stared down by them like an eagle spotting its next meal. The trial will last at least two days and most likely a third. This will bring it into Friday because they just picked the panel yesterday. Well, guess what, I'm serving on seat 9!
I can't tell you what the case is ('cause I'd have to kill ya, LOL), but, after hearing what the charge was, I KNEW the Asst. District Attorney would most likely want me on the panel only because I am a middle aged woman and fit the 'demographic' in favor of the victem (is that sp. right - doesn't look right, lol)Anyway, I got to jump in the shower now and make it to Court for 9:00 am. and I'll be stuck there until 4:00. Wish me luck all!!
Oh yeah, I am proud to serve my Civic Duty!
