Jury Duty

It was my time to serve jury duty. I walked to the courthouse this morning. I sat down in the big, new chairs in the new juror room. I read my book for about 45 minutes. They gave us a 15 minute break so I bought a latte. I read more of my book and then I was sent home. I was home by 10:30am.

This is what happens every time I am called for jury duty. One year I was called three times to serve(a little mix up due to alias caused by marriage, etc.,). I have never been so far as to be drawn into a pool of potential jurors.

I know that I am not likely to make it past voir dire. My education, occupation, and selection of insurance carrier all apparently make me a bad choice. But, I have never even made it to that point.

I looked around the juror room and saw that most people were irritated to be called. Many people appeared to be trying to conduct some sort of work. Most were planning what they would say that could get them out of jury duty but still avoid contempt. I want to be a juror that serves on a trial.

My guess is that I have been called to serve as a juror in DeKalb County at least 10 times. I have heard State Judge Alvin T. Wong say the one thing that makes me want to serve. He always asks us to consider who we would want on the jury should we ever be a defendant in court. I don't want 12 jurors that are just like me, but I want them to be intelligent and thoughtful. Most of all I want them to want to be there and to really listen.

It usually takes about 18 months to be called again. I look forward to the opportunity.