I was summoned to Jury Duty today. I initially deferred my services back in December because of all things I was in a trial. For work of course. I was hoping somehow they would forget about me and I wouldn't hear from them again, like what usually happens when I return the questioner describing what I do. However, this was not the case this time so off to court I went this morning earlier then I have ever gotten to court before. I march right in flashing my badge that allows me to bypass security and got in line to enter the jury room. A sheriff's officer let me know that I would need to go through security. It is a good thing that I left all the contraband that I usually bring to court with me at home today. Apparently my good judgement as a caseworker not to bring things into court counts for nothing. Urgh this should have been my first clue. For those of you who have never served, they heard you into big room, Moo, and you wait for your name to be called. First for grand jury where you are required to serve for a month. I do not know anyone other then a single independently wealthy individual or the retired who could commit to that. So much for a jury of your peers. Oh wait I forgot the most important part of my story. Before any selection happens one of the judges comes down and talks to everyone followed by an inspirational video about how important our service is today. How we set off to form this county independent of the English King because he was denying us the right to trial by jury, how people literally gave their lives for this right, how it is more important then voting and just how necessary it is for people to serve as jurors. I really then and there felt proud to be apart of the judicial system and was hoping that I would be selected so that I could be apart of this necessary part of the Judaical process that allows people fair trials. I digress...
I was rather quickly called up to a court room where the judge and lawyers ask questions to better determine who will be an impartial member of the jury. I knew the defense attorney so I wasn't to surprised when I wasn't selected. Then we broke for lunch and when I came back I was again selected with 39 other people to go up and go through the whole process again.
Again I was not selected....
After 3 hours of questioning.
It is a big joke when I talk with other caseworkers about jury selection. Almost without exception we are never selected. I would think that a group people who's job it is to appear in court and present impartial evidence , who appreciate the importance of the process would be valued jury members. But there must be some assumption out there that we are anything but impartial. The least they could do is not summon me to come down there if they aren't even going to assume that I can perform the duties of a juror. It is a waste of tax payers money to pay me for a lost day of productivity. Calls where not returned, court reports did not get written, referrals did not get made and meetings were not scheduled.
So to all of you who have the chance to serve, I envy you and hope that you are inspired about how important the process is even if it doesn't include me.
