I will strive, to do my duty, etc. etc. OK, here I sit, in the Ventura County Courthouse, serving my country. Better here than Iraq, as the Judge said earlier. It really is a fascinating process, this jury system. This is a huge case, a criminal case, that I can't talk about right now. Suffice it to say, it made my stomach turn when the Judge read the charges and the guy was sitting right there. One is always reminded that we are innocent until proven guilty, but man-oh-man, someone did something very bad. Unfortunately, it is a two week minimum case, so a number of us were excused. I now sit and wait to be called for a shorter case.
It took me all of 23 minutes to make the drive this morning; a drive I thought would take about 45 min. so , of course I gave it an extra 15 so as not to be late, so I had ample time to watch the scene. Lots of people arriving with books tucked under their arms. Once through the screening for weapons (thank goodness, as you know the boredom alone can cause one to do crazy things) we settle into the holding tank. Here you hear lots of sighing. The sigh of having to listen to them talk about honor, and serving, blah blah blah. The sigh of sleepiness that comes when air conditioning is played like white noise to lull the masses. The sigh of frustration as some of us are excused, while the sigher remains. Lots of sighs.
The second hand creeps forward...I learn the "secret code" for the WiFi access and give just a little sigh of happiness. Then they call my name.
Sigh.
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3 comments:
Traci - I am surpised at your reaction to the reading of the criminal charges and the immediate association of guilt to the person sitting at counsel table. I hear the same from many interviewed during the voir dire process and I wonder what could the poor defense attorney do to cause the prospective juror to refocus their immediate and strong disdain and distrust of the person accused. Signed Poor Defense Attorney
I just recently completed my civic duty as well, Traci. Not to rub it in, but I was able ride my bike to the courthouse. And, even as slow as I am on the bike, I think it took barely 10 minutes and that may have included locking it up. Otherwise, your experience sounds similar as far as time in the jury room. The only trial I got called up for was no where near as interesting as yours sounded. But, I'm glad you got excused from that one. I did not get on a jury and was done after one day!
hang 'em high !
oh wait, that movie's already been made.
but nice you could get out of your civic duty... the band NEEDS you more than your country.
no country for old band...
oh wait, that movie's already been made
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