So, every time I get called for jury duty, I secretly want to be chosen. The first time, I was so excited. Right out of college and nothing to do at my empty job, I was game — at least for the three days I'd get paid. I sat in the jury room all morning, listening to name after name be called. By noon, 20 or so of us sat there, uncalled for. "Just go," we were told.
The next time was two years ago, and I had become jaded enough to cringe at my summons. But once I made it to the courtroom, I totally wanted to be selected. And, I was! For a 17-year-old trip-and-fall case that settled before the trial began. "Never again," I said.
Yesterday I went down to San Francisco's courthouse and was gripped upon hearing I was there for a criminal case. In the moment, I was all "me, me, pick me." I answered a questionnaire (how do you feel about gun possession? not great) and now fear I made myself ripe for the picking. Maybe talking about it here will get me out!
Antik Batik
Gambini
DKNY
Doesn't bother me either way but then again I have never been summoned for jury duty.
1When I was one of the like 10 registered Republicans in the city of Philadelphia I would get called every year like clock work. Now that I'm registered independent its been 2 years and nothing. I like jury duty though, I enjoy it most of the time.
2I've only been summoned once, and being selected was the absolute last thing I wanted. But sure enough, there I was for five days listening to a criminal kidnapping and sexual assault case. Now, I think I would definitely want to be selected. It was one of the most interesting, rewarding, and unique things I've ever done.
3I have never been summoned for jury duty. I wouldn't care either way.
4I've been summoned twice but had to get out of it because of work. I don't think I'd enjoy it, but I'm willing to do it.
5On my first summons I was picked for jury duty in a murder trial. It lasted 1 week and while the case was depressing I liked the experience. I want a career in law one day so my view might be biased. It is a civic duty and I don't think I would ever try to get out of it. Plus, my company pays for the time away from work.
6I enjoy participating in the criminal justice system and enjoy the process. However, as co-owner of a business it is very difficult when I personally have to do it so it is a double edged sword.
7I totally want to be on a jury. It would also just make me feel like I don't waste my time sitting there all day.
8mydiadem I cannot get over how cute that cat is.
Anyway, I get called up in DC all the time. Maybe because I'm one of the few people in the city not registered as a Democrat!
I desperately try to avoid it. I'm a contractor and get paid only if I work. I cannot just lose out on a month or two of income right now.
However, if I had no mortgage to pay, I'd be all over it. I think it would be fascinating and I hope to be able to do it someday.
9Thanks pop! I swear it has to do with how you are registered, none of my Dem friends have ever been called here in Philly.
10I secretly do....and I almost did! I was number 88 in the Jury Pool. I approached the judge at the bench and everything. The only thing that held me back was a job interview I had scheduled later that day. Oh well...maybe next time and for a more interesting court case.
11I got summonsed for the first time the year I turned 18, I delayed it until summer because they summonsed me during finals week. I was 19 by the time I went in. I didn't want to go because I could've used the money I missed at work, but I felt it was my duty and I could physically go. I wouldn't want to lie about it and take away from the disabled, elderly, single parents or sick people who actually need to be excused.
Unfortunately I got selected for a rape/sexual assault case, as opposed to another kind of case. I had to bow out because of my personal history. Just hearing the charges brought anger and tears to my eyes and I knew or was pretty sure I wasn't going to be able to give and unbiased opinion. In good conscience I couldn't stay, but I felt horrible about leaving. I still feel bad about it now. I don't like shirking my responsibilities.
12A couple of my friends and I were talking about this the other day. I would be VERY interesting in jury duty! I hope that I am able to do this someday. Silly, but true!
13I've really enjoyed it both times I served.
14I've never been called (knock on wood). I really don't want to be either.
15I've never been called and I don't want to! I have so much stuff to do I can't spare a day
16I've been called a couple of times but I could never do it because I was either in school or moving. I've always thought that being part of a criminal case would be really interesting. But you never know unless you go, and sometimes I don't want to risk it.
17The only time I actually made it up to a courtroom instead of staying in the waiting all day I made it on to a jury and I found it fascinating.
My case was a huge civil suit against a major MAJOR insurance company here in CA. After hearing all of the facts and reviewing the documentation, we found in favor of the person suing the insurance giant. This insurance giant had gone out of its way to destroy this person's business and hinder his ability to do business without any contact with them. The insurance company had actually slandered the person with their promotional materials and through their networking connections. So after 5 weeks of testimony and evidence and two days of deliberation (we got the case at 4:50pm on a Thursday and Fridays were half days for this Judge) on Monday by 11am our verdict was being read in court and by 11:30 we were all bewildered in the jury box that the whole thing was over. And secretly many of us wondered if the insurance giant would try to come after we members of the jury. The company has that much power.
18If I could have an experience like Wack's, I'd do it every day.
19I've actually always wanted to serve on a jury.
20I'm interested in law and government and I think it would be exciting.
I love that soon I will be a lawyer and no one will ever ever pick me to be on a jury!
21I would LOVE to get picked for a jury! I've been summoned four times and each time I've waited and waited only to be dismissed- boo!
Don't be so sure smileyface- my dad is a former defense attorney and current judge and he still served on a jury! I couldn't believe it!
22Ok, I live in Dallas county, Texas. Needless to say, there are millions of options to call for jury duty. Someone want to explain to me how in the last year I was called once, my boyfriend was called twice, my dad was called 3 times, my mom was called twice, and my brother was called once? It's supposed to be something you get called for once every 15 years...
23The last setence is not to claim any fact, but rather the average that it usually occurs amongst people I've spoken to.
24I would hate being in a jury. Recently there was a trial in Spain where the jury was TOTALLY wrong and I don't want that kind of responsibility on me.
25I would be seriously annoyed to be picked for jury service. I think if I was I would make myself out as a huge bigot so I wouldn't get picked and could therefore go home.
26Wackdoodle your story is very interesting.
I am a fraud investigator for a major insurance company and we are constantly having to fight the exact feelings you described in order to win cases even for the most egregious cases of white collar crime.
No matter how much intent to commit fraud can be proven, and how much money we as an insurance company were swindled out of, we come across jury members swayed by a good defense attorney into thinking "What if the insurance company came after us?" The fact of the matter is, WE (not sure about the carrier related to your experience) only pursue companies (our policyholders) who have committed fraud or some breach of contract/misrepresentation which caused us to unfairly lose money (if you can't prove fraud). Attorneys for the accused companies really play into the fear most people have of the "big, bad insurance company." (which I admit, can be true in certain cases). This attitude of fear and loathing is so pervasive it is actually really hard for an insurance company to win a trial, even if you have great evidence.
27never been summoned. kinda want to know what the big hub bub is about.
28I gotta send the stupid questionnaire tomorrow. I don't want to do it.
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