I’ve received numerous jury summons over the years – but for one reason or another, I have never actually gone. Not because I’ve shirked my civic responsibility, but it just never worked out… until day one of my Sabbatical.
I jokingly remarked on the timing; thinking, “That figures!” But, after giving it some thought, and remembering to allow myself to be where God and chance put me as a part of this Sabbatical process, I decided to embrace it.
I will spare you the details as I think that the only thing more boring than having endured this would be for you – as a reader of this blog, to hear me talk about it.
But, here are the highlights:
I ultimately was not selected – although that decision was not made until 2:30 that day with no lunch break…
The entire case was roughly/hypothetically laid before us in very general expression during the selection phase. If selected, we were to be sworn to abandon all logic and reason and render a decision based only on what was to be presented thereafter.
This was a murder case… My analytical side ablaze…
Now, those of you who know me know that I absolutely cannot sit still – ever. I guess I was sending body language to this effect and caught the prosecutor’s attention. He specifically and directly asked me (and I cannot recall the exact language he used) if I could, without reservation, render a decision given only the facts I was about to be presented. Upon thinking about it only briefly due to his somewhat rude prompting, I had to answer, “no”. Seven or eight other potential jurors had answered “yes”prior to me. I was the first “no”.
A hush fell over the courtroom (I always wanted to say that and have it mean something)…
I was not prepared to enter into what quickly should have become a brief debate with a professional litigator, so as not to be too disruptive to this process, I responded by simply saying, “You asked me a question. I gave you my answer.” He prodded further by grilling me in front of this group, “You mean to tell me…………” I don’t remember the rest. My angry ears don’t always hear so well – and I did not engage.
After that, several of the next few potential jurors were asked the very same question. There were now several “no’s”, and even more ranting from the state prosecutor until he shortly thereafter gave up this particular line of questions and moved on.
As I said, I was not selected. Part of me was a little bit angry for having this experience ruined by this guy. But, the larger part of me was just frustrated with my own inability to deal with the fact that so much of we do as participants in society – in being human, continues to be reduced to such a low common denominator by those in authority – only so that it can presumably be practiced and understood by one and all. I know it’s the greatest system in the world, but I left the experience… underwhelmed.
Underwhelmed… and thankful.
