Jury Duty

Well I just finished my first experience with being on a jury last Friday and it was a very interesting experience.

I wanted to get out of it but the defense attorney didn't feel the need to ask me if I wanted to be on the jury so I had no chance to say "no thanks" (he asked other people this question and they all answered "yes").

Some people gave answers that indicated they obviously wanted out of jury duty. Like one guy, who said "the defendent looks like he probably has an evil side". But I couldn't bring myself to lie or misrepresent who I am, and apparently I am desireable as a juror.

Once the trial started it was really interesting as well as intense and I felt compelled to give my full attention to every detail. The charges were: a criminal threat to kill or cause great bodily injury, threatening a police officer or public official, growing marijuana, using an electronic device to send messages with the intent to harrass or annoy. Those aren't the exact works but a summary of the charges. I found myself anticipating the points the lawyers were going to make with their questioning as well as critiquing their tactics. It was really interesting but also very stressful given the significance of my job as a member of the jury. It really wasn't fair to make light of anything and not give the case my full consideration. So I took it very seriously and wracked my brain to make sure I was making the right decisions when I gave my vote for the verdicts. Some of the jurors seemed to have their minds made up completely as soon as we entered deliberations, some were on the fence, and some seemed to be willing to just go along with the group. I was on the fence and found myself annoyed by the other two groups.

Ultimately we found him guilt of charges 3 and 4, not guilty of charge 2, and we were split on the first charge so it was a mistrial on that one.

Afterward we got to talk to the attorneys more casually about the case and it was interesting to hear their true views and what they thought of the case. They were also interested to hear about our deliberations and what points or evidence we had the most discussion about.

All in all it was an experience I'm glad I had but I just wish the court was more efficient with their time. We started each day at 9:30 though we usually let in 10-45 minutes late every day. We would take a 15 minute break around 10:30. Lunch was from 12:00 to 1:30. We would have another break at about 2:30 and we were always done by 4, usually earlier. Lots of time was wasted in my opinion.

oh yeah, and lastly, the defendent's name is "I am the Beast", how's that for interesting.