Duty Calls

I'm going to go ahead and admit this: I've always wanted to serve on a jury. I've been summoned dozens of times since I've lived in Amarillo, but I either had a work trip or I called the automated message the night before to find I no longer had to report for duty. While others felt relief, I felt disappointment! Not because I wanted to get out of work or skip the gym that day - but because I've always been curious about the process and whether or not the movies depict it correctly.

Low and behold, I was summoned again for Monday, March 16. And it didn't get canceled! And, after a long, long wait in the jury room, I was picked to be one of the 12 members on the jury of a civil case. And I didn't even try to do anything tricky to get picked. It just happened. Actually, I know why I was picked. I'm the most indecisive person on the face of the Earth. I'm probably the best person in the world to serve on a jury. If it was a full-time job, I'd be the executive vice president of jury duty participation. But, I don't know how the lawyers knew that, other than the fact that I never raised my hand to declare a strong predisposition to one thing or another that they asked about during the selection process.

The trial lasted two days. My fellow jurors were awesome. We probably had more fun locked away in that tiny jury room than most panels. The lead attorneys on both sides were brand-spankin new, so it was fun to watch newbies in action. There were some major A-ha! moments, just like the movies; the judge scolded the lawyers from time to time; the court reporter sat brazen-faced; the defendants gave us droopy dog looks hoping we'd feel sorry for them; the guards escorted us to the parking lot; the plaintiff threw a temper on the stand; one guy was illiterate and the opposition kept trying to make him read a piece of evidence. It was exciting, it was a great experience, and I feel great pride for having performed my civic duty and allowed justice to prevail. The jury voted unanimously, which was a really cool feeling.

I can only hope I'll get picked again some day. Too bad I can't even give it another shot for six months. Rules are rules.