Venireman – Juror. A person summoned to jury duty under a venire
Now, everyone I know hates jury duty. I don’t. Well, I did while I was working full-time and trying to write and trying to deal with delinquent children and a delinquent husband and two dogs. And then I found myself for the first time at the courthouse in Santa Ana anxious to get the hell out of there, I didn’t have time for this. But then the judge spoke to us like we really mattered. I looked into the face of the accused. Here was a man fighting for his life. I had to make the right decision. And I did. I know that because I couldn’t be impartial. It was a murder, which involved mutilation, something I’d witnessed first hand in the Mau-Mau rebellion. I found myself speaking up, something I’m not very good at–my upbringing and all that–but I did. My decision mattered.
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Oooh, this one is a winner (as they all are). Leaves me wanting more…
I went to jury duty…but I was released…very few judges or lawyers that I do not know…so I had to leave. But kudos to you, for standing up, for saying your piece…because you stood you let the defendant know that he mattered too. Bravo!
I think people hate jury duty because of a few reasons, they often don’t get compensated fully for their day off from work, and most of the time they sit around waiting. If we could eliminate the waiting part then it would be okay I think. I like it and don’t mind it, but I also think that juries should be professional and jurors should be paid to be so.
Jury duty is a great opportunity to connect with humanity in all its manifestations, consciously or unconsciously, to consider issues up close where you have a part to play that you wouldn’t if you weren’t forced to.
Jurors are incredibly important. I am glued to watching the Jodi Arias trial right now, which is a capital murder case. Perhaps I’m a wanna be lawyer? I find major trials fascinating. The judge just kicked off another juror, which then changes the whole composition of the jury. She didn’t say why either, which of course, raises the curiosity factor.
Indeed. Jodi Arias, got to check that out. And yes, I also find major trials fascinating.
I think it is an honour to be called for jury duty. It ruined my holiday – but I was proud to do my duty. Most important for those who are fighting for what they believe, either the hard working police, or a person who has been violated in some way & needs reparation. How would you like to have some person who is “just doing a job” to sit & yawn over your rights! I wouldn’t, I didn’t.
Good girl!