Jury Duty

[Uncle Charlie]

Though I've been called several time, yesterday was the first time I was selected to be part of the twelve in the box.  Having now sat through selection and a full day, it's very interesting to see the judiciary at work.  As you might guess, I'm not allowed to say much (and by that I mean anything) about the case until it's over - forecasted for 3 days.  Simple observations to date:

1. I could not lie to get out of duty
2. There are many who do, especially when they've made it past the questionnaire phase
3. The general population of jurors is quiet an entertaining crew - I sure hope if, God forbid, I ever end up on trial that the lawyers select jurors who are this side of the sanity line
4. The judge is extremely nice and has done a great job explaining the process
5. It's hard to stay quiet and not ask what I perceive to be relevant questions.

[austro]

Though I've been called several time, yesterday was the first time I was selected to be part of the twelve in the box.  Having now sat through selection and a full day, it's very interesting to see the judiciary at work.  As you might guess, I'm not allowed to say much (and by that I mean anything) about the case until it's over - forecasted for 3 days.  Simple observations to date:

1. I could not lie to get out of duty
2. There are many who do, especially when they've made it past the questionnaire phase
3. The general population of jurors is quiet an entertaining crew - I sure hope if, God forbid, I ever end up on trial that the lawyers select jurors who are this side of the sanity line
4. The judge is extremely nice and has done a great job explaining the process
5. It's hard to stay quiet and not ask what I perceive to be relevant questions.

The thing that I've found most interesting is how some of the jurors from whom one wouldn't initially expect much turn out to be pretty wise. Of course, there are still others who are thick as a brick.

The other thing that is a quandary for me is that jurors aren't allowed to share any personal expertise with other jurors. I understand *why* that is (no opportunity for cross-examination, etc), but it's still got to be horribly frustrating to sit in a room with jurors who are obviously confused about a subject that you could explain.

[Uncle Charlie]

it's still got to be horribly frustrating to sit in a room with jurors who are obviously confused about a subject that you could explain.

We haven't gotten to that point but I imagine that will be the case.  We cannot yet talk about the case to each other - only procedure to this point.

[Mr. Happy]

The thing that I've found most interesting is how some of the jurors from whom one wouldn't initially expect much turn out to be pretty wise. Of course, there are still others who are thick as a brick.

The other thing that is a quandary for me is that jurors aren't allowed to share any personal expertise with other jurors. I understand *why* that is (no opportunity for cross-examination, etc), but it's still got to be horribly frustrating to sit in a room with jurors who are obviously confused about a subject that you could explain.

While I was a practicing tax lawyer, I served on two criminal juries, on one of which I was the foreman. That jury was highly educated in that there was another lawyer and a Ph.D. on the jury. Just about every person on the jury was college-educated. I was still amazed by what the jurors seized upon, relevant or irrelevant. I used my juror experience to relate to my wealthy estate planning clients that they needed to get along, because they have few peers down at the courthouse in that jurors hate to deal with fighting rich people and will try to figure out some way for both parties to lose.

[Fredia]

as an aside two of my daughters and I have the last unusual name. (as in the only ones in Austin ) I have been called, older daughter called and younger daughter twice. so much for random

[Uncle Charlie]

Sitting in a bar taking the edge off after a tough week.  Convicted a woman of two counts of felony sexual assault of a child.  She elected to have the jury sentence her: 20 years.  The whole situation was completely fucked up.  42 year old woman and 14/15 year old child of her best friend.  Lots of meth involved, some domestic violence and more.  This kids lover is now in prison, as is he (for something he did later), as is his mother and father and his uncle just got out.  I'm only skimming the top here.  Please pray for Tanya and Jack, that this can be a day where they start healing.

[Bench]

Sitting in a bar taking the edge off after a tough week.  Convicted a woman of two counts of felony sexual assault of a child.  She elected to have the jury sentence her: 20 years.  The whole situation was completely fucked up.  42 year old woman and 14/15 year old child of her best friend.  Lots of meth involved, some domestic violence and more.  This kids lover is now in prison, as is he (for something he did later), as is his mother and father and his uncle just got out.  I'm only skimming the top here.  Please pray for Tanya and Jack, that this can be a day where they start healing.

That sounds miserable all around.

[HudsonHawk]

I was on an attempted capital murder jury a while back.  We convicted, but only gave him 15 years.  It was interesting to see the people who were ready to fry the guy on Day 1 before testimony, but then wanted to give him probation afterward.  People definitely had preconceived ideas, but it was good to see them remain open-minded.  We had a good cross-section on the jury in terms of age, race, and gender.  Don't know about socio-economic, but there were several professionals, a stay at home mom and two students, so I'd guess that was pretty well represented too.  It's an interesting process, and I know people think jury duty is a pain in the ass, but everyone should serve at least once in their lives. 

[Uncle Charlie]

I was on an attempted capital murder jury a while back.  We convicted, but only gave him 15 years.  It was interesting to see the people who were ready to fry the guy on Day 1 before testimony, but then wanted to give him probation afterward.  People definitely had preconceived ideas, but it was good to see them remain open-minded.  We had a good cross-section on the jury in terms of age, race, and gender.  Don't know about socio-economic, but there were several professionals, a stay at home mom and two students, so I'd guess that was pretty well represented too.  It's an interesting process, and I know people think jury duty is a pain in the ass, but everyone should serve at least once in their lives. 

I agree.  We had everything from a dance instructor, to a contractor dispactcher, to a financial advisor and a taco truck worker.  We had 3 black, 3 white, 1 white and 5 Hispanic.  There were democrats and republicans and those of meager means and those who didn't think about the cost of going to dinner at a nice restaurant.  It was truly a cross section of the city....refreshing in many ways.

[JimR]

As I have said before, I was on a Yogurt Shop jury. That  was one of the most fascinating experiences of my life.

[juliogotay]

I'm always disappointed when I'm not selected. I served once, as foreman, and it was a pretty open-and-shut case. The waiting around is what gets old but the process is fascinating. I'm now part of a class-action suit, plaintiff side, and have been in court in both district court in Dallas and will be at the federal courthouse this week in Austin for the SEC litigation portion.