Act professional. Act logical. I always have gotten to use the "I moved to Austin" excuse to get out of it.
I got stuck on a property trial two years ago. It should have taken an afternoon, but thanks to two of the most talkative lawyers I've ever seen, it ended up taking four days. My advice: Bring something to read and some good snacking food. Luckily, since that last experience, my mother has been an invalid.
Well, I just had jury duty. It was a great experience. I was very glad to have done it. Tips -Don't let the jury vote the second you get into deliberations. It will lock people into a corner. Simply discuss the facts starting from the beginning. You will be surprised out how smart your fellow jurors are. Lot's of interesting things will come out. -If you are hung and the judge won't let you quit deliberations, write him a note to the effect that ' we fear continued deliberations will result in a unanimous decision that does not accurately reflect our true convictions or judgement. ' He will excuse you right away. You can also let him know that you have written down and discussed everything you agree and disagree on. They always want you to do that. -If you send a note to the judge, make it a good one. Be clear. He has to call everyone into the courtroom (lawyers and clients inlcuded) to read and answer it. -write good notes during the trial. They will help you to recall things easily without referring to a transcript. - Don't be afraid to ask questions once you begin to deliberate. They may sound silly to you, but I bet other people are asking themselves the same thing. - If you don't know each others names by the end of the day, let people know who you are. There nothing stranger than calling people by their juror numbers. -Bring something to read. You will get stuck during deliberations and it's nice to clear your mind with something other than the case. -On the second day of deliberations, bring something light for your fellow jurors to snack on. Cookies or crackers. Fig Newtons. It's helps to ease the tension. -If you want to bring food or drink into the courtroom, ask the judge if it's ok. They usually allow water. -Don't be intimidated by the defendant. Check the defendant out carefully. Is he left handed or right handed. What does he look like. How does he react to certain questions. Interesting tid bits - Even if you are hung, after the judge releases you, the lawyers will ask you what the vote tally was. I didn't know they could do that. They can. They will also interact with you after the trial. You can ask them questions about the case and they can ask you questions. Even about stuff like why the defendant did not take the stand, or why they didn't call a particular witness. I found that to be wildly interesting. -My trial was very civil. The lawyers were civil and my fellow jurors were civil.
I wish I got jury duty. It's a great honor to serve your country in any way possible. With that attitude, I'll probably never get picked. Oh well. I know most people hate it, but I'l love to do it. Courtrooms get me all warm and fuzzy inside!
I've been summoned 4 times, but always had something else (student, didn't live at location where they gave summons) that kept me from it. However, I have a friend who got jury duty, and as much as it seems obvious, NEVER blatantly lie on your jury form. He put that he was a racist and hated the jury system, and that the judge was a bottomfeeder. The judge brought it up in front of the whole jury panel, and chewed him out hardcore. The judge went so far as to call my friend's work about the situation . . . He almost lost his job . . .
some people are born with a sense of humor. others just never get it. http://www.catenema.com/cat1.html
Are any close relatives of yours a lawyer? that always got my neighbor off. but if you love watching court shows. enjoy your time on the jury but dont let your emotions or your personal bias get involved in your decision
And some would wonder if you are jealous I would like to see you 2 battle it out in the CC.net Poster tournament. (chick fight)
Nah, I'm not in for that. Yeah, I talk about him a lot, and I'm sorry. He has been a huge part of my life for the last year and a half and a great friend for the last five years. All of the sudden he has all but disappeared and I don't know when I get to talk to him again. Sorry that that's the first thing on my mind, but it's very difficult for me to go through. If you don't like me talking about him, fine. But it doesn't mean that you can. (and you brought him up on this thread, not me) As for jury duty....which is the topic. I love law and government. I'm still deciding if I want to go to law school or not. If anyone has advice on this, please let me know. My other option would be to teach. I have been teaching at the Museum of Nartural Science for 4 years and I love it. I think I could be very happy teaching, even if the money isn't great. I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts!
Princess please by all means post about Lynus, it is cool to know whats going on with him. I just couldnt resist poking fun at DiSeAsEd MoNkEy it was just so easy.
Thanks, it means a lot. But I am sorry. This is really hard for me. He's the whole reason I'm on this board at all!
Princess, I've given you crap, and based on some of your beliefs, I'll continue to give you crap , but, by all means, post all you want about Lynus. Like I've told you before, I've gone through similar circumstances (though not as bad), and it always made me feel better to talk about that person. Be strong.
