Jury Duty=Civic Duty
Yesterday at 8:00 A.M., I found myself in the Santa Monica Courthouse anxiously awaiting the opportunity to do something I had always wanted to do: jury duty. After enjoying some leisurely reading and hearing a pep talk about civic duty, justice, and the American way, a woman instructed all 46 of us waiting in the jury room to go to courtroom 215 for jury selection.
Inside, the nice young judge reviewed the jury selection process for us and informed us that we’d be lucky to be chosen for this case since it was more interesting than most. One man was suing another for hitting him in the head with a golf ball while golfing in West L.A. The topic peaked my interest but, to my disappointment, I was not called to join the first 18 potential jurors on the stand.
I listened with great interest as the judge and attorneys interrogated the 18 jurors for almost three hours.
“What is your name and occupation?”
“Have you sued anyone for personal injury or has anyone sued you?”
“Is there any reason you can’t be an impartial juror in this case?”
“Do you golf?”
And on and on…
The judge dismissed one juror quickly because he had lost his eye from a flying golf ball at the age of 12. Many jurors were obviously saying things in hopes of dismissal from the trial. One juror claimed that he was unable to be unbiased because of past trauma from a personal injury. Another said that the case was frivolous and a waste of jurors’ time. Many others claimed that serving on a one or two week trial would cause them to lose their business, house, or a prepaid vacation. It seemed as if serving on a jury was a plague to avoid at all costs.
As each attorney took his turn dismissing jurors he feared might disrupt his chances of winning the case, the most uncooperative jurors were sent home first. Other jurors were called to replace them for questioning, but not I. At this point, I assumed my chances of being called to the jury were slim. But the musical chairs continued. To my surprise, they booted many more jurors and called me to the group of reserves as juror number 16.
After questioning me and the other new jurors, the attorneys booted more of the 12 jurors until the judge asked me to move to the juror number 1 spot. I was excited and sure that they’d have no reason to dismiss me. But no sooner had I gotten comfortable in the top spot than the plaintiff’s attorney announced, “We thank juror number one for his service and ask that he be dismissed.” I had been booted–just when I thought I would get to be on a real jury in a real trial. I was surprised and disappointed. I felt like the latest American Idol contestant voted off the show for no apparent reason. Still, I was satisfied that I had done everything I could to fulfill my civic duty for that day.
The Constitution guarantees the accused the right to a trial by an impartial jury. But if we as fellow citizens are not willing to serve as jurors, then this right cannot be maintained. Jurors may not always produce the best verdict, but it may be better to put decisions in the hands of 12 Americans from all walks of life than in the hands of one man or woman who is paid to judge. Jury duty is one important aspect of government by, of, and for the people. All American citizens should willingly, and even happily, fulfill their civic duty by serving as jurors when called.
What do you think?
Aw, well I’m sorry you didn’t get to be on the jury, I know you wanted to. Always next time.
But you have made me think twice about getting out of jury duty when that dreaded … er … anticipated day arrives
Comment by Hannah — April 23, 2008 @ 12:33 am
It’s interesting you were dismissed, but now I’m curious as to why you were…you left us hanging! Have you watched Happy Gilmore too many times?
Comment by Kristin — April 24, 2008 @ 7:34 pm
That’s the thing, I don’t really know why I was dismissed. One person thought it was because I play golf and the plaintiff’s attorney didn’t want someone on the jury who understood the rules of golf. My roommate, who is a prosecutor, said he thought it was because I have an advanced degree in government/law/public policy issues so they didn’t want me because I might be too informed. But, I really don’t know. It sure was interesting though.
Comment by Matthew C. Piccolo — April 25, 2008 @ 9:33 am
So they only want uninformed jurors? That doesn’t make me feel too good about our judicial system!
I almost got called in for jury duty. The letter came, a date set, but the case never went to trial. I didn’t even make it as far as you.
Comment by Liz W. — May 8, 2008 @ 7:08 pm
I’ve always wanted to serve on a Jury, but I’ve never even made it as far (close) as you described here.
Comment by David — June 5, 2008 @ 5:33 pm
I was just wondering where the courthouse that is pictured is located.
Comment by Ephraim Smith — August 5, 2008 @ 11:48 am
It’s in Fairfax County, VA.
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/courts/circuit/jury/qa/courtroom4.jpg
Comment by Matthew C. Piccolo — August 5, 2008 @ 12:59 pm