jury duty

• Jury Duty

  Posted by gmadmin   |   April 21, 2012

  I was recently on the jury for a fascinating murder case. It really made me appreciate the judicial system we have in this country and highlighted the reason we shouldn’t try people in the media or in the court of public opinion. There were fourteen people selected to serve on that trial. Ultimately, only twelve jurors can deliberate. After the closing arguments, two names were drawn at random to serve as “alternate jurors” – that is, two of us had to sit out the deliberation process. When my number was called I was so disappointed because I had put so much time and attention into the trial, and I felt I had something to contribute in the end. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I did not want the weight of sending a kid to prison on my shoulders. When I got the call the other day from the court telling me the verdict, I knew I lucked out. The kid was found guilty on both charges – second degree murder and fleeing the scene of a crime. I believe it was the right verdict, but in the end I’m glad I didn’t have to participate in making it. Anyway, it was a life-changing experience and it gave me a whole new perspective on the justice system.
  Now that the trial is over and I can talk freely about it, I’ve been telling my friends the fascinating details of the case. Everyone says I will probably write a play or a musical about it. We’ll see. I think what made the case so interesting was that it was real, and we jurors had a heavy responsibility to bear. If I tried to write a courtroom drama, it would be just that: a courtroom drama. Sometimes there is no substitute for real life.
  In other news, I discovered tons of amazing bike trails in the Phoenix area that I want to ride! Too bad it’s starting to get so hot. I guess I’ll just have to plan some night rides!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  
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