Loren’s Perry Mason moment |
Loren Heiny describes his first experience with the jury duty selection process:
After each three or four questions the lawyers would huddle up with the judge, whisper some, and then the judge would announce five or six people that were excused. I kept waiting to get excused. I don’t drink, for instance. The courtroom started thinning out. I’m guessing there were about twenty of us left. We were shuttled back to the hallway for about 20 minutes while the lawyers and judge made their final decisions. When we got back in the judge announced that they had more potential jurors than they needed, so she made the final cut–literally dividing the group down the middle. The first half–or which I was a part–were to be part of the jury. The rest of the group was free to go.
Well done on the narrative, Loren. I especially like how you slipped in how the defense attorney could have benefitted from using a tablet pc — parenthetically of course — instead of a bunch of legal pads.
212.net has more information on jury selection and being excused:
Some people are excused from jury service for reasons such as visual blindness, inability to speak the language, or a criminal record. Elderly people, people responsible for young children, students, and some occupational groups such as doctors, nurses, and clergy are permitted to decline or postpone their service. The ease with which people can remove themselves from jury service is one reason that, while eighty million Americans have been called for jury duty in the state and federal court, fewer than half of those called have ever sat on a jury.
I haven’t been selected for jury duty yet and yes, I am registered to vote. Guess my number just hasn’t come up. I’m not disappointed really, because I understand it’s like piecemeal “wages” and god help me if I were to be in some case where the jury had to be sequestered.
Loren promises to continue his account of jury duty. I wonder if he had any zany Pauly Shore moments?
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I’ve been registered for about 20 years and was just called. I go next month. I’m looking forward to it. Due to my not so stellar past, I doubt I’ll be called for anything. Does the courthouse have wifi and outlets is my main question.
Comment by Fred Beiderbecke — March 29, 2006 @ 7:56 am PST
That’s a good question, Fred. Doubtful that they do. Report back your findings, please.
Comment by TDavid — March 29, 2006 @ 8:26 am PST
I served on one jury as an alternate back when I lived in Florida. It was pretty fascinating. Looked like a slam-dunk DUI case, but the defense attorney pulled out the amazing three-pointer at the buzzer by showing that it was plausible that the defendant had never actually driven the car.
I’ve been called twice more, but since I am independant working hourly I was able to get excused on financial hardship grounds both times. Sorry about not being a model citizen.
Comment by Sterling Camden — March 29, 2006 @ 2:35 pm PST
Here in California, to be chosen for jury duty, they go by holders of drivers licenses, not voter registration.
I get called about 3 times a year. But you call a voice recording and enter your number on the summons to see if you have to physically report to the court house.
Comment by orangecrush — March 29, 2006 @ 9:59 pm PST