I think I may be called to jury duty in a terrorist case

[celtdem]

I just had a phone call from a woman saying she was working for Zogby polling on behalf of "the Northern District of federal court". I must admit, I wasn't paying much attention at first, and wasn't clear whether this was for the courts or the US Attorney. Anyway, she said they were polling "potential jurors" about a specific case. Then she asked me if I was familiar with a case involving two defendants, and she gave their (obviously Arabic) names. I wasn't familiar and said so.

Then a long string of questions about Middle East politics--Do I feel negatively or positively toward--
Israel, Lebanon, Hezbollah, Hamas, Israeli settlers in Palestinian territories, Palestinian Americans, the Palestinian Authority, something called the United Holy Land fund, Muslims, etc. Some questions about whether I think the US should torture, and whether I think other countries should torture on behalf of the US, and whether I think information received through torture could ever be trustworthy.
That was the creepiest part. I pointed out that the President insists we don't torture, except when we do. She's paid not to laugh, apparently.

Then I was asked if I could imagine a legitimate reason for a Palestinian American to visit the Palestinian territories. And whether I felt the US government is too supportive of Israel. And do I consider Hamas the legitimate government of Palestine? And whether I've ever traveled to the Middle East (I haven't).

And then the size of the city I live in, gender, age, whether I have a job that would make a long absence difficult.

Wow! Just when I start complaining that my life is boring, it might get interesting. Really, though, I can think of a couple of reasons why they might dismiss me--most notably, I'm a pacifist.

Still, an interesting prospect.

[crim son]

1. It does sound like you might be passed up.

But it also sounds interesting! I've never done jury duty and although a lot of cases are boring, the one you were polled on sounds like a good time - so to speak.

[AngryAmish]

2. I used to do these things

Usually with a sensational local case. I was just a student asking questions.

I did not know Zogby did that sort of thing.

You are not going to be a juror - this is just an opinion poll. The identities of jurors are closely guarded until the trial starts. The state and the defense get the identities at the same time. In an unusual case there may be a questionnaire but you get those in the courthouse.

BTW, I hope Notre Dame loses today.

[celtdem]

3. Well, that's a little disappointing

I've never been a juror. I'm Mennonite, and I'm told I'll never be called because of our positions on capital punishment and the justice system in general.

Oh, and I always hope Notre Dame loses, just on general principle.