Yup - that's right - jury summons. I think I have had more jury summons than anyone I know. I got my first one when I was still in high school (my basketball coach convinced them to let me graduate from high school first, so it got put off until the summer), and I've actually been called in twice now. The first time we were seated and the defendant walked in and freaked out - ran out and made a deal with the DA. This last week was the second time. Just about everybody had advice for me on how to get out of jury duty before I went in. I had to report at 8 am one morning and just before noon the judge came and told us that new evidence had come to light and he had to grant a continuance and dismissed us. In those four hours (during which I got to read and not be interrupted by the phone or feel guilty that I should be doing something else!!) it was interesting to hear others conversations and how many of them were so put out about having to come in. After being dismissed the woman in front of me was ranting and raving about what a waste of her time the morning had been. And so here comes out the soap box. It really bothers me how some people will do just about anything, including lying, to get out of jury service and that it's considered a waste of time. Trial by jury is one of the fundamental rights of our country and really, a small civic duty. Unlike other countries we don't have mandatory military service, nor are we required to serve in the legislature or vote or provide security, and our government goes above and beyond in "bailing" us out of many of the predicaments we put ourselves in. Nothing in life is convenient - there is never a good time to get sick or to lose a job or have a family but we deal with it because it's part of life or a choice that we have made. We're proud to be Americans, but don't want to have to deal with the unpleasant aspects or do anything to support those liberties we're so proud of. While I don't know that I would enjoy being a juror, I would hope that if myself or a family member or friend ever needed a jury that they would have a choice of good people who would be fair and listen and do their best to give an impartial decision. A morning of sitting in a room and reading was valuable to one person, and how do you put a price on that? Just my thoughts...
