sewmuch

Renee, I do too.....and I got picked for a death penalty murder trial.....and for what the ........did he deserved it and it didn't bother me at all and most on the jury felt the same way......

MadQuilter

I was called twice but never picked. The court's version of "always a bride's maid - never a bride" lol

The second time, I was SO glad I did not get picked. It was a middle-aged woman on trial for solicitation and loitering. Coming from Germany, where prostitution is legal, I see no problem here. Besides, how else do you get your customers if you don't solicit? I'm sure the prosecution would have tossed me on my ear.

Could I be neutral? I'd like to think so. It would be a fascinating experience. After all, being able to serve on a jury was one of the reasons for me getting US citizenship.

sandpat

Wow Martina...and to think that tons of US citizens spend a huge amount of time trying to figure out how to get OUT of serving. I have to admit that loss of income for the duration makes it very hard to serve.

I have to admit that when I looked around me in the jury pool room, I was terrified that some of those people would be making life and death decisions about other people...heck...some of them would have a hard time deciding what to eat for lunch...let alone something REALLY important! So its good to hear from lots of sensible people here that they would do their civic duty. Now that I'm retired, I would do it (and of course take some hand sewing with me).

Jim's Gem

Unfortunately in our courts you can't take hand sewing. It specifically states in the summons "no sewing needles" among other things.

Mousie

bummer! they don't even trust the potential jurors! man, that could make for a long trial :roll:

Cathe

I wonder if I could bring my knitting - the needles are only 5" long and made of wood. :wink:

I was called for federal jury duty, but I lived in the country 50 miles from the nearest courthouse and had no car. So they excused me. I also had a jury summons forwarded to me from a previous location after we moved, but I was excused there, too.

We have never lived where there is public transportation. I can use DH's car when he doesn't need it for work, but otherwise I am not sure how I could get there! Think they would pay mileage for a taxi to come out to our small town and take me to the city?

I would gladly serve on a jury if I had a way to get there, but since I am a conservative Christian, military wife and mother, from a law-enforcement family, homeschooling, small-business-owning Constitutionalist, they might regret calling me. :lol:

MollieSue

I served on one jury, about 11 years ago. It was a guy who supposeably was drunk, and crashed his car. No injurys, etc, but they wanted to get him for drunk driving. But the police didn't do a breathalyzer (sp?) so had no proof at all. There were a quite a few people on the jury who really got off on being on a jury, and went over and over and over it all day. To me, it was pointless, as they had no proof, and it was evidence we were to look at! lol!!! I had been voted jury forewoman, so I finally said enough about 5pm, and told them all it was pointless, that we had to say not guilty!

A year ago I was also called, went for two mornings, and was not needed. My employer made up the difference in the money for me. I think my county pays about $12 per day, plus mileage. I truly feel for those people whose employers don't make up the difference!

Just be aware of those jurors who will milk it to death just to be there. Grrrr.

ROR Lady

I have served on several jurys. While one in particular haunted me for years, I came out of it feeling I had done the best possible job. It lasted 2 weeks, it regarded the death of an 8 week old baby girl. It opened my eyes to how our system works and proved to me the importantance and seriuosness of jury service. As citizens, it is our right and our duty. As for being open minded, you just have to do it--it's your job. I have served in traffice court, county court, state court, and federal court. It's always been a hassle to get into Houston, Tx (early in the morning), park, eat, and get back home in the evening. But the experience is worth it in the long run. Good Luck.

Roberta

I did get a summons to appear for jury duty some years ago. My entire time was spent in the basement of a church across from the courthouse waiting for my number to be called, no food, no refreshments and in the heat of summer.

After about 5 hours we were told we would no longer be needed since the jury had been chosen so we never even got into the court room. My total pay for that time, $5.

ROR Lady

Just the price we have to pay to be free.

I agree "the powers that be" could make it more pleasant. In Houston, Judge Ted Poe, took on the task of making jury service a better experience and he did. Now there is reserved parking, a cafeteria, and if you're there late at night (like I was for 2 wks) you can have a police escort to your car. You do get paid but barely enough to cover food and parking.