Fulfilling my civic duty...part II

My week of jury duty officially started this morning at 8:30. I reported to the government building, along with 400 of the happiest people I've ever seen (please note, I say these things with a tad bit of sarcasm). After enduring a brief 2 hour lecture on how the jury system works, I waited for a short time (2 more hours), hoping my name would be called to a court. During those two hours, I made one of the best friends. I gladly shared my pen with her, and two pieces of gum. But when she asked to use my cell phone to check on her "dor-ter", I gently declined the request. When we finally broke for lunch, which I had in my purse, I ran as far away from said friend as possible. Her smoky odor had given me a headache and I just wasn't willing to share half of my peanut butter sandwich.

We had a quick 1 and 1/2 hour lunch break and then herded back into the juror room to wait a little more. Lucky for me, I was called to the first courtroom they named. Me and 47 others headed down to 201 Poplar, the criminal courts. We waited, and then waited a little more. We were then guided into a courtroom where we were to wait a bit longer. We met the defendant. We met the state representative. We met the defendant's attorney. We met the judge. And then we sat in silence...I, in silence for 3 hours. The lucky first 20 names on the list were called to the juror's seats. They were then given a very impersonal interview by the judge. He asked each person individually the same specific questions: Are you married? Children and their ages? Occupation? Spouse's occupation? Have you been on a jury before? Do you know anyone that has been a victim of domestic violence? Can you make an impartial decision? Do you have developed enough social skills to deliberate with 11 other jurors? The lawyers then had their chance to ask any random question they desired. Like, "you mentioned that you have 7 year old twins. What gender are they?" After listening to all 20 prospective jurors answer such questions, the lawyers picked those they wanted and the others were dismissed. The other 28 of us waiting our turn continued to wait as the process repeated itself until they settled on a jury. I was never fortunate enough to even change seats. It's a good thing I brought a book since I wasn't allowed to read it in the courtroom. Those three hours just flew by. I can't wait for tomorrow...for round two of $11 a day pay and to hurry up and wait. :)