Jury Service

So I have just been called for jury service. Ive been through a week of it already, and I must admit, it is the most frustrating process I think Ive ever witnessed.

Endless waiting around, hours upon hours of listening to witness statements, and reading them, and lets not forget, why on earth do the court officials wear those ridiculous wigs? Im not sure if thats the same across the pond, but it seems to be some heritage thing here haha.

So, anyone else ever been called?

Nope, but I know people who have.

At least you haven't said anything about the case or your fellow jurors

I got called for jury duty about 3 years ago. Got selected as a juror, then on the second day they decided to settle out of court so we never actually got to the trial.

I've been called for local/state jury service at least 3 times, I've served on the federal grand jury for almost a year..

The grand jury was interesting since the cases take longer to roll out and the it's the DA presenting the case and all..but the thing that scared me the most were the jurors themselves, usually people who had NO clue what was going on, not paying attention or out right sleeping through the entire presentation and the first one to issues subpoenas or other things..

At least we don't have to look at people wearing those funny wigs..I can imagine that being a thing in the past.like..1700's past, since most nobles wore them all the time right? But why in this modern age do they still do it??

I'm sure I'll get called someday but I've managed to elude it thus far. If I do though, I want it to be an interesting case. But, to be honest, I find everything about the legal system terribly boring so I doubt that will happen.

No, the wigs are British thing. However, ours like to wear silly robes (at least the supreme court ones).

I've been tapped several times. I don't mind the jury duty itself, it's the waiting around and going through the hassle of trying to find a parking space near the justice building in downtown Fort Worth. You would think the city or county would provide free parking for jury members but they don't.

Member Raz0rEdge is correct about the conduct of certain jury members. It's no wonder our juries come up with the ridiculous verdicts that they do in some of our more famous cases here in the US. (O.J. and Casey Anthony)

vansmith said:

No, the wigs are British thing. However, ours like to wear silly robes (at least the supreme court ones).

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Haha. Jury Duty: Christmas Special.

most of the time the barrister's are scratching the backs of their necks haha.

Ive been on one proper case already - and although I'm under no obligation any more to keep it confidential - i think the amount of times I heard the same story over and over, makes me reluctant to type it out for the umpteenth time

Let's just say that we were a split jury - and i wanted to slap some of my fellow jurors, particularly the ones who disregarded my opinion due to my age.

I do hope I'm not called again any time soon

robduckyworth said:

Haha. Jury Duty: Christmas Special.

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That's right - 9 Santas run the court! Haha.

robduckyworth said:

Let's just say that we were a split jury - and i wanted to slap some of my fellow jurors, particularly the ones who disregarded my opinion due to my age.

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I feel the pain - I get that a lot (so you can look forward to that for a few more years). That's why I like to keep my part time professor card on hand at all times.

I've been called several times, but always get cut lose during selection questioning.

Could be worse Rob. Could be the accused having frustrated, impatient jurors trying the case wanting to get home! Do not have to worry about even being on the Jury Lists ex Military and State Police.

harryb2448 said:

Could be worse Rob. Could be the accused having frustrated, impatient jurors trying the case wanting to get home! Do not have to worry about even being on the Jury Lists ex Military and State Police.

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I thought Police were eligible for selection? They are here, but as XJ-Linux says; they generally get refused by the defendant when they declare they are police.

I've been called every few years, even sat on a couple of jury's. Interesting thing about the US is that the length of service depends on the county in which one lives. I use to live in a county where they tagged you for 2 full weeks, and if you sat on jury for any part of that they kept you when you were done until the end of your 2 weeks. Where I live now it's one day unless you get seated, then it's the length of the trial. If you do get seated you are removed from the rolls for an extra year (they can call you every 2 years where I live).

In most places in the US Active Duty Military are excused, but ex and police officers are fair game. Lets be honest though, cops and ex cops never get seated.

I was called once for jury duty just a few years ago for the first time, but I didn't even have to go in the end. That was such a relief.

If you ever get really bored, you should watch the movie Jury Duty with Pauly Shore. I'm not saying you'll like it, but it'll be entertaining for you.

Called dozens of times over the years and served three times. Unlike TV, it is just one long boring hurry up and wait. I always went to the courthouse with pockets full of books.

But now, the IPAD is a lifesaver. Our courthouse has free wifi and the 'pad will hold hundreds of books, so at least I can have something to do for the hours that you sit and wait. I used to haul a laptop in, but the little tablet is much more convenient.

I've served on three juries, the last as foreman. Two were medical malpractice, (both patients died) and the other was just the award to a car crash victim. I've found the experience to be interesting, not boring at all. We found the doctors not guilty. So the most disturbing thing was the wasted time of the court trying cases that should never have been brought. I'm told that the vast majority of medical malpractice cases end the same way.

I'm told that the vast majority of medical malpractice cases end the same way.

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More proof that Shakespeare was correct! ;D

My major gripe is if you're a commission paid tech you take a beating on your pay if the trial last for a week and what they offer you a day will not pay for food and parking.

harryb2448 said:

Could be worse Rob. Could be the accused having frustrated, impatient jurors trying the case wanting to get home! Do not have to worry about even being on the Jury Lists ex Military and State Police.

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Well that makes me safe. Never knew that but feel good i will never have to worry about it ;P

Well, Ive been released now. I almost got put on another trial, which would have put me on more than two weeks, but I was one of the lucky few who weren't selected for the panel.

Now i just await my reimbursement...

Military Police only Brent lol!!