jury duty – Running on Fumes

All Rise –

Last Monday, I published a post titled “You have been summoned“. I considered naming this update “You have been released”. Because I’m clever.

Opening Comments –

Obviously, I didn’t get selected for jury duty. Slightly bummed. A myriad of reasons probably put me on the naughty list, just a few being my nearly 10-yr career working with abused and neglected children, as well as my PhD study. And also…maybe…probably… because I accidentally walked into the courtroom before we were called. Truly an accident. The bailiff told me to enter the double doors to the right. I entered. And found myself in the midst of prosecutor/defense pre-trial deliberations. It’s possible they thought I overheard something I shouldn’t have. I didn’t. Guess you can’t take that type of chance though.

Based on the limited and vague information provided, I wouldn’t have chosen a jury trial but I’m also not on trial. There were some funny moments though. For example, when asked if we (the pool) were related to anyone in law enforcement, a lot of dirty laundry was aired. (paraphrasing) My daughter’s ex boyfriend’s mother in law (how is this possible) is on trial for blah blah blah. (more paraphrasing) My coworker’s nephew is a police officer in blah blah blah. Wish I had a gavel – objection, relevance? And attorneys are so polite with jurors – continually apologizing, and thanking the jurors, and basically invoking therapy-level mannerisms and phrases. It was a lot.

Closing Remarks –

Speaking of therapy, a few hours with 60 of my county-wide peers elicited many responses. Mostly mine. I have concluded that a majority of the juror panel don’t need to serve on a jury, instead they need targeted therapy. I am certainly not saying there is anything wrong with them. But, their stories were fascinating. I think you mean scary. May I suggest a licensed therapist or mental health counselor give out business cards when the jurors are released from duty? Perhaps a quick check in a few days post-panel by a qualified medical professional? Even better, how about we ask more questions on the original summons? This process could have been much more efficient. But nobody asked me.

Court Adjourned.

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I ask you –

Please share your wildest jury duty stories!

(The post Follow Up to You have been summoned first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)

Random: I believe when one shares their playlist or music interests, it is an intimate act built on trust and reciprocation. You are allowed a glimpse into their mood, emotions, behavior not easily recognized by words alone. For example, my sister plays very rage-y, anti-people music when I’m with her. And I noticed she’s much happier when she’s not around me. Huh.

Reality: I received a jury summons and, try as I might, I was unable to be excused. In fact, they rejected my reasoning flat out. Fine, it wasn’t that great of an excuse. As interesting as this particular incredibly important civic duty is, my work schedule all but threw a hissy fit when I read the summons date. In fact, my words were somewhere along the lines of you have got to be kidding me, I do not have time for this! Oh right, Kel, because the accused must have considered the inconvenience to you.

It is almost unbelievable I’ve never received a jury summons. I don’t believe I’m the type of person that counselors want in their jury pool, but we shall see. At the time of this post, I’ll be patiently waiting to be “called” back or whatever they do.

Despite the terrible timing, maybe this is a good way to bolster my blog fodder. Are there any rules on soliciting readers? What about social experiments in the jury pool? How mad would the judge be if I brought my own gavel? Can I take some stock photos of the courtroom?

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I ask you –

Who can I ask these important questions?

(The post You have been summoned first appeared here at Running on Fumes.)