This week I have offically become a Jury member. What are the chances?

On Monday I had to report downtown in the court office for Jury duty. This basically means sitting in a jam-packed room for 1 week, waiting to be called into a trial. If there is no need for anyone, you sit. Thanks to an 80's video on "So you've been called for jury duty!" played in thte morning, they mention that it's your civic duty to serve as a jury member. Bob, a construction worker explained how rewarding it was to serve on a jury. So if bob enjoyed it, you should too!

I've heard many people who have also served on jury duty, but few who were selected. Of the few who were selected, they were assigned to quite small 2-3 day cases.

The majority of folks sit in a big waiting room like cattle for the week they are required. It's room of chairs crammed side-by-side, with a few booths on the side (sorry, no internet). After reporting in on Monday @8:30AM you are assigned a colour and wait to be called. I took this as my opportunity to do some work.

Bringing my laptop, I snagged a booth on the side and set up shop. The first hour was used to let those w/an excuse to get out of jury duty; the next hour was just waiting in silence. This room would be a great social study, watching as people start to nest in their spot and chat with those around them. You can't help but be forced to interact when you're crammed in there for 8 hrs a day!

By 10:30 AM my colour was called and the purple and red cattle were herded upstairs on a case. Entering into the courtroom, I was suprised to see the defendent and council already in there before us. the judge spent about 30 mins of weeding out more jury members (medical, language comprehension and other excuses). Next, the clerk started pulling names out of a drum, and like bingo numbers we were called out. Unlike bingo, when your number is called it's a question whether you've "won" or "lost".

I was called up on the first batch of about 20 people. One by one, each person is asked to look at the defendent and the council decides whether you are in or out. If both sides are 'content', you're given the oath and are part of the jury. If one side 'challenges', you're back in the herd. Either the crown or defence don't need to give any reason why they challenge.

All they know about you is your name, occupation, and whatever you're looking like that day. There is no Q&A, so thus no opporunity to take the advice of others by saying: "I'm pro death penalty!" or "all murderers must pay!". By the time I was up, there were only 2 of 12 other members were selected. Staring at the defendent, I hear both sides say "Content"...

I was selected.

My boss told me i'd be exactly what they want, or exactly NOT what they want. I guess i fit the bill. On the brigher side of things, perhaps it's better to get selected on the first morning of the first day, then to sit for 5 days in the cattle room only then to get selected. It took another hour and dozens and dozens of people before the final 12 were selected. I'm not sure they look for, but I'd say teachers were the most turned away, which I think is b/c they could be too altruistic and side with the defendent. I did mention that I have a business trip in 2.5 weeks, with the judge answering back that they'd try and get it done by then.. i.e. nice try but you're in buddy.

After about an hour briefing with the Judge, we had some lunch and began the case. I can't say anything except that it's a 2nd degree murder case. What I can talk about are some general observations, which i'll get to soon.

Cheers,
-RE

Labels: court