I received a summons for jury duty the other day. Monday, 18 October. Unlike most people, I don’t complain about it. I like jury duty.
I’ve only been selected once in civilian life. I’ve served on courts martial, which is a little different. Usually I didn’t get selected for those, either. Defense attorneys in the Air Force don’t like to see prior-enlisted or maintenance officers on the panel, and I fit both categories. Similarly, civilian attorneys exclude engineers and doctors when possible.
The wait during the selection process gives me some free time to simply read, and the voir dire is always interesting. I think I bring something to a jury, and I like being of value. I pay attention, and enjoy watching each lawyer do his job. I simply try to do mine, and follow the law as directed by the judge. To me, it isn’t boring.
And I am certainly the kind of person I would want to have on a jury if I were involved in a case.
I’ve served on a single jury in the past. It was not glamourous in the least. A man was representing himself contesting a speeding ticket. I think he was trying to get sympathy from peers. He performed badly, we found him guilty.
I want to serve on another, but haven’t been sent a notice in 6 or 7 years.
Comment by John — October 8, 2004 @ 4:14 pm