Jury Duty- Day 1

Most of the people I know went to work today. I went to jury duty. I didn't want to go, but it turns out, I feel the need to complete my civic duty.

We had to report at 8:45. The first thing we did was fill out a two page questionnaire that asked questions like what your job is, have you been committed of a crime, are you a citizen, etc. All of this occurred in a holding room. It wasn't too bad in there. We got to watch the Today show, and I studied some organic chemistry flashcards and read some of my book. We also had to watch a couple of informational/instructional videos about the justice system, democracy, and the United States. I watched them out of one eye and listened with one ear because I did take US government after all, and have a fairly solid knowledge about the balance of powers, etc.

It was all fine and dandy in the holding room. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and around 10:30, we started lining up to go up to the court room. At this time, only 50 of us remained. I am number 49. Out of 50. If I actually get chosen, I have really bad luck!

Hearing about the case was also interesting, including the detailed description of the charges, etc. And that's pretty much where the fun ended. The next 6 and a half hours (minus an hour for lunch) were spent sitting on wooden church-like pews. The prosecuting lawyers got to ask their questions first, including explaining to the jurors about the rules of trial, etc. I don't know how many times I heard today that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. I didn't think that was such a difficult concept until the prosecutor went around asking individual questions, and time after time after time people said that they already thought the defendant was guilty. Maybe I gave some of the people of Okeechobee too much credit?

The prosecutor wrapped up his business around 2:15, and he was ok. His personality wasn't particularly abrasive, although he did have a weird laugh. I liked his tie. His sidekick (another attorney who didn't say much) has a girl's first name and a crew cut. I spent a lot of time wondering about why men get crew cuts, because when they look down, the middle of their heads look bald, because the hair is really short there. The lawyer with the girl's name also had glasses. I liked his glasses.

Once the defendant's lawyer got up there to start his questioning, it was really all over for me. First of all, he was wearing a bow tie. Not necessary. Maybe he wore it because he thinks it makes him endearing. It doesn't. It makes him more annoying. The lawyer, who I will call Bowtie, talked to everyone like they were 5 years old. I don't know if it's because it was late in the day so I was more irritable, but every time he spoke, I felt my eyes start to roll. I had to keep my head down for a spell so I wouldn't seem disrespectful. I'm so glad Bowtie didn't get to interview my row (the last row) because we were running short on time. I probably would not have been able to say nice things, or even to say things nicely. Ugh. He was just so annoying.

We were asked to leave the courtroom about ten til five, and right after five we got called back in. We were told that they were not going to be able to pick the jury today, and that we would all have to report back tomorrow at 10am. This is really inconvenient for me. I really just want to go to work!

There are some more stories about potential jurors, but I'll get to see them all again tomorrow. I'll post about them then. Best quote of the day from Juror #25: "I don't know much about the legal words you are using. I mean, I didn't wake up this morning thinking maybe I'll sort out a serious criminal case today." Maybe you had to be there, but it was really great at the time. Also, there is no set pattern to the lighting scheme in the courtroom, no matter how many different ways I tried to count to figure it out. I guess I can try again tomorrow!