I have jury duty this Tuesday

[spacelady]

I feel obligated to serve as best I can, yet am apprehensive.

Maybe some one can tell me about their experiences.

[lenidog]

1. Odds are you will sit around for a couple days and never actually

sit on a jury and then go home

[babylonsister]

3. My experience also. Or you will get selected, and

have a different experience, in which case you have to tell us all about it! It's a civic duty you should relish-sorta.

[bookman]

2. Bring a book

I go and wait it out and usually get to go home. My wife was selected once and it took 2-3 days.

[TaleWgnDg]

4. Geez, I hardly get called . . . and when I do . . .

.
Geez, I hardly get called . . . and when I do . . . I always get bumped. Nobody wants me on their jury. Nope. I am jealous. You see, although I'd love to serve on a jury, as a lawyer, I never get picked!

You asked what it's about? Every state is different. Every jury pool is different. Every trial is different. Typically, it's hurry up and wait. Then wait some more. And more. If selected then you are asked to pay close attention, listen, and observe what's going on during the trial, and do what the trial judge tells you to do. Some courts (and states) allow you to take notes during the trial while others strictly forbid it. Most importantly, you are forbidden from discussing or listening to anyone or reading or watching television or radio about what's going on at trial -- even amongst other jurors -- until the judge says that you can do so when deliberating the verdict in the jury room.

I hope that you will fulfill your duty to serve. I know I would if called upon.

_____________________________________________

edited to add: Hey, welcome to DU, spacelady :hi:




.

[spacelady]

7. I would think it would be an interesting experience to serve, it's just

very conflicting to me. I probably have nothing to worry about with this sort of attitude, tho!

[spacelady]

10. Thanks for the welcome!

[spacelady]

5. Thank you, I am hoping that I am not chosen, I am uncomfortable with

the resposibility of judging another's guilt or innocence; but more strongly (and selfishly) want to spend time with my Mom and Mom-In-law who traveled here to take care of the kid while I'm fulfilling this obligation.

[seriousstan]

6. I shot bumper pool for 3 days and then was foreman of a jury.

It was GREAT!!!! I actually made a difference.

[spacelady]

8. I really like your attitude, seriousstan. BTW, I registered to vote in

this district for just the last prez election, and they have jumped on me twice for jury duty! Must be a shortage?!

[seriousstan]

11. I served and then got a notice 2 weeks later to serve again.

They let me slide and said it happens occasionally.
I also am a poll worker. Have been for 16 years. You should try it if you have the time. It it a unique experience. A true sense of civic duty.

[lavenderdiva]

9. I've been on 2 different juries...

one a 1st degree murder trial, and another one a civil trial. I was jury foreperson in the murder trial. It set new law because of the outcome. However, I have always been called for jury duty (every 2 years) since, and haven't been selected since that time. Got called up AGAIN last month, but didn't get past voir dire. Be sure to bring something to read, and lots of change. They usually have drink/snack machines either in the jury lounge, or somewhere that is accessible for you. You will be responsible for your own lunch, unless you are selected before lunch, in which case you will be treated to lunch. They usually have a TV playing in the room. Thank goodness, this last time I was called up, it was set to CNN not FOX news!! I couldn't have stood that for the whole day. It just depends on where you are as to whether you spend all day waiting to be picked, or just the morning. Sometimes, the DA will know how many trials are to go for that day, and how many potential jurors they will need to seat a jury.

[spacelady]

12. Sounds like great advice; thanks for your input.

[Floogeldy]

13. It is time for you to step up, spacelady.

It is time for you to assume the position of a responsible citizen of the United States of America.

You may have to determine if someone's freedom is going to be taken away. Or, you may have to determine if someone is thrust into financial ruin.

Keep a clear mind and a pure heart.

You are the final, and last wall of protection for your fellow citizens.

I know that you will do your best.

And thank you.

B-)

[spacelady]

14. You inspire me. Yarrrrr

[stopbush]

15. I'm starting my third time on jury duty tomorrow in Vegas.

First time was in NYC. Second time was in NJ - we had sold our house and I actually had to do jury duty the week before our closing date. Lot's of fun packing when you're afraid you'll get stuck on a "Michael jackson-length" trial. That time, I had to go for only 3 days and they dismissed us all.

Tomorrow will be a big fingers crossed. I was informed at the beginning of May that my job was ending...and it did end 5/31. But I got my feelers out quickly , and I landed a job in Fresno (the recruiter called me Saturday to tell me I got it). They want me to start ASAP, but I've got to do the jury duty. I called the NV court and asked if I was eligible to serve if I was relocating to CA. They said that unless I had a utility bill to show I was living in CA, no dice - I have to show. Well, I was just offered the job and haven't moved yet, so no utility bill. Bad timing, I guess. I'll try to plead my case tomorrow. I really need to get started on that job in CA. I have no income coming in and have automatic payments that go through on the 16th of the month. If I get stuck on a jury of any length, I'm totally screwed!

[spacelady]

17. Wow, that is a sticky wicket-hope they will understand about your new job!

[medeak]

16. I learned how to drive drunk

three toxicologists testified re the DUI test and how long it takes for body to absorb a drink

(one an hour) no really...it was a great experience. Got off a lot as was victim of violent crime..but finally did my duty and would do it again.

edited to say baliff was a total pain in the arse and was stuck listening to him....only negative.

[spacelady]

18. Bailiffs have seen it all, I guess...day after day after day...

[medeak]

19. no.. this creepy guy had to share his political feelings

and they weren't mine. He ended up running for office.

[spacelady]

20. That is just sad; trapped into suffering in silence.

[LSK]

21. i had to serve 3 months ago

The waiting area was like going to a library except it had a few tvs on in some places. You are given a number and twice during the day they called a bunch of numbers. Mine wasnt chosen. I got to leave by 3. In my county, if you are not called on day 1, you dont have to return until next year if you are summoned.

Bring a good book or magazine. Dont bring anything too valuable because you have to lock stuff up in a locker if you get called.

[Kathleen04]

22. I keep getting called up

but I'm at college 3,000 miles away so I never have to go.

[spacelady]

23. seems like a lot of people get called to the pool, but few are chosen to

swim in it. Well, I guess I'll find out.