Greetings, Dear Siestas!
I’m writing you from the jury assembly room of Harris County in Downtown Houston. I am blessed indeed to have an assistant who told me a few days ago she’d be happy to come pick me up and take me. I hope it goes without saying that I would not have asked her. I am fully capable of coming to jury duty by myself but, for a sanguine, it is a whole lot more fun this way. What’s in it for Michelle? Well, for starters, I think she smelled adventure and, to us, adventure is worth inconvenience. Her job is also considerably less lively if I’m not in the office so here we are and we have already gotten tickled enough to pay for the trip. One of the best parts was that she face-booked that she was at jury duty and someone who didn’t know we worked together told her I had jury duty today, too, and we could hook up.
There are several hundred prospective jurors here and, for the first little while, we amused ourselves by playing like this was a dating service and it was our job to match people. For a long time no one said a word (which made matches particularly challenging since I could not discern their personality-types) but now people are beginning to get to know each other because we’re all so nervous that we’re bonding. The atmosphere became more relaxed once we’d all taken the oath. Hawk felt the need to take the oath with us for fear people would think she was protesting by protecting her right not to make any promises. She, like me, is a rule keeper by nature. But not nearly the rule keeper my darling Amanda is. She saw that we were tweeting from in here and tweeted back with, “Are y’all going to get kicked out for tweeting?” It made me so happy. To be fair, I’m sure she was laughing when she asked because she would have known I would have thought it sounded just like her. I let her know that, as of yet, the bailiff had not told us that tweeting was strictly prohibited in the jury assembly room in the State of Texas and to take our tweeting outside.
I did just learn on the loud speaker that we will indeed get kicked out for smoking within 25 feet of the outside door so I’m definitely going to refrain.
Things have drastically improved since my last visit here. They now have free wifi (aptly called “jurywifi”) which is obviously how I’m corresponding with you. They also have a little snack bar where an unfortunate incident took place a moment ago. I excused myself to go to the ladies’ room for the second time and, on my way in there, smelled coffee. GOOD coffee. Like Starbucks coffee. I thought I was having a sensory hallucination until I came out of the restroom and, lo and behold, there was a little table with three coffee canisters. AND YES, with Starbucks, for the love! I leapt to it like a gazelle, pumped out my coffee with a big smile on my willing face. Then I looked up and saw a cash register. I hadn’t brought my purse because I left it with Hawk. All the sudden I was dumb-fuzzled and didn’t know what to do. I’d already poured it. So I jetted off from it like I’d committed a felony and ran back to the assembly room with guilt all over my face. I think I may have also been having a hot flash. Anyway, as far as I know, my cup is still sitting there all by itself under the Starbucks House Blend thermos. Getting cold. I feel robbed of my rights. Hawk suggested she could give me money to go back and pay for it but I am too shamed.
I have never gotten chosen for a jury before. Perhaps you find that surprising. I certainly want to be a good citizen so I’m willing as long as I can still get to Richmond next weekend. Of course, I’d rather study during my work hours and go to my regular job and, goodness knows I want to be with Melissa and Colin who come on Thursday, but I’m certainly here to do my civil duty if asked. (I’m being silly with you but I really do believe in the jury system and certainly would want a good jury should I need one. Should they find out that I poured coffee I did not pay for.) I will get paid $6 today if I serve then it goes to $40 the second day forward.
So, here I am waiting to see if I get chosen. If this is like the softball team in junior high, I’m in for a long wait. Hawk just told me that today is the 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment that gave women the right to vote. And ultimately to serve on juries. So this is a great day to wear my big hair proud in this room.
While I’m waiting, have any of you Siestas done jury duty? Anything interesting happen? Any interesting cases? You know, I originally wanted to be a lawyer so I find all of this interesting anyway. So, do tell, Siestas.
PS. Hawk just went to get me some coffee. I’m so happy that I’m going to give her the $6 I make today.
PSS. She just got back with my cup of coffee and, yes, she said my previous cup was still there. Right under the House Blend.She poured me a new one though. It just hit me that my fingerprints are still on the other one.
Here is me writing to you:
And here is me saying what’s really important on this Wednesday: The Lord on high is mighty. He is for us and not against us. And, though He is lofty, He looks upon the humble and contrite heart with favor. Thank You, Lord, for a community where we can be serious and silly and maybe all on the same day.
PSSS. They just released all Bible teachers with big blond hair! Headed back to LPM but keep those jury experiences coming!
I had been called to jury duty here in Detroit. I dutifully went down to the courthouse on my appointed day. I was looking forward to lunch since I was starving when the bailiff came in and starting reading names off at about 2 minutes before we were going to be released for an hour to eat. My name was among the ones read. So all 80 of us went up to the court room and waited outside for the next 2 1/2 hours waiting to go in. They had no chairs outside and we didn’t get to go eat. So we were all hungry and trying to find a comfortable place to sit. The bailiff came out and said we were released for the day but needed to come in at 9:00 the next morning since the trial we had been assigned to was going to start then. See we had been outside waiting for the previous trial to finish up. So the next morning we came back to sit outside the courtroom once again for the next 2 hours to be called in to find out the defendent plea bargained and wouldn’t be going to trial. Not the best experience and I hope I don’t get called back too soon!
You are too funny. I actually served on a jury for attempted homicide. It was interesting to say the least. I live in Virginia and a group of us are just finishing your study on Revelation and many of plan to see you in Richmond. We are rejoicing and being glad because we can hardly wait! (lol) What a blessing your study has been to us. May God continue to anoint you!
You are too funny. I actually served on a jury for attempted homicide. It was interesting to say the least. I live in Virginia and a group of us are just finishing your study on Revelation and several of us plan to see you in Richmond. We are rejoicing and being glad because we can hardly wait! (lol) What a blessing your study has been to us. May God continue to anoint you!
I’ve never had jury duty yet but I had to tell you Beth you made my whole day today, never stopped laughing the whole post, gosh you know how to make things in life we have to do so funny. Thank you for being a part of my small little life. I saw a pic of you recently with Elicia who sings with Travis with her and a bag of chips and you had this funny grin on your face. Thanks your awesome and you Rock!!!!
You’re not going to believe this one!……
I’ve been called for jury duty twice. The first time they asked if there would be any reason I couldn’t do it. I answered that I’d lose significant income and clients. When he asked what I did and I responded that I was a professional clown, the entire room burst out laughing. Then he said, “Do you have a business card? I’ve got grandkids,” And then he told me I was free to go “clown around”. It was hilarious!
Oh, how funny! I served on a jury back in February; said duty lasting almost 2 weeks. But, Louisiana is now safer from one killer – we sent him “down the river” for life! For me, the worst part about serving was the hurry-up-and-wait part. Get there, wait, go into the courtroom, there’s a recess (no playground), go back into the courtroom, etc, ALL DAY!!!! So glad you escaped, but sorry you missed the big bucks!
You are so funny Mama Beth! So did they only release blonde haired bible teachers with the name Beth Moore?? 🙂 It seems like it would be hard for them to have someone famous on their jury.
The only time I’ve ever been called for jury duty was when I was away at college (in another state) so I didn’t get to do it, but when I was homeschooling my mom picked a case and we went every day and followed it and did our own jury deliberation. It was really interesting and a great way to learn about the legal system.
Never been summoned so therefore never picked. However, my hubby gets summoned a lot but is never picked. Reading about the tweeting and coffee situation made me laugh. I would be like your sweet Amanda…following the rules and too afraid that I would be caught. Thanks for serving!
Thanks so much for sharing everything Beth! This morning my precious Saunji (my red Cocker Spaniel) Threw up… do you know what came out of my mouth?? “I Thrup too”
I am loving my life these days… I thank you for the teachings “Measureless Love” and “He Is” I have them about memorized… It is my way of sleeping with the bible open over my face 😉 He LOVES us, Freed us, and has made us a kingdom and a priesthood. I am currently on lesson 5 of your Here & Now, There and Then Revelation series… I am loving the series… so much that I can hardly stand it!!! after that I have my eyes set on The Inheritance”
April 24th, 2010 @ the simulcast in Ventura, CA I made sure, and I am sure… I have my assurance… lots of ugly past just wiped away… as far and east is from west… “I win, I WIN”… I have adopted this childlike spirit… Kiss Jackson for me… I so needed to claim back my little girl inside… Jesus made that possible and he used you, and your sweet Grandson!!
Praise you Abba Father… thank you Jesus…
Annabeth is beautiful… Much LOVE to you, and all your faimily and everyone at LPM
Kristi
Beth, I have read many of your books, participated in some of your bible studies and have listened to Wednesday’s with Beth. You are a blessing and I thank Him for using you to touch my life in a special way as I’ve connected with Him in a much deeper way. Thank you for sharing your insight with others.
The Lord lays words on my heart from time to time. I thought you may enjoy reading this..
Jesus, my precious Savior and King
My heart has a lovely melody to sing
You are my strength when I am weak
You comfort me when life looks bleak
You cheer for me when I try my best
And hold me tightly when I need to rest
When I am confused and don’t understand
You guide me as You tightly hold my hand
When I am afraid of what tomorrow may bring
You remind me to trust You with everything
No matter what the trial I am faced with today
My needs will be met as I seek You as I pray!
God bless you and your family!
That is just beautiful, Tammy.
I have an invisible tattoo on my forehead that says PICK HER! I get called every 18 months and I get picked every time and I have hung the jury twice! They really don’t want me – they just think they do. Can you spell opinionated (I couldn’t)?
p.s. I get your blogs on e-mail and for some reason it never says who it is from so I read half-way down them until I figure out who is talking. I see that on the blog itself it does, but not on the e-mail. Since you guys don’t sign it either half the time I am playing detective. Not a big deal, but often my brain is so fried that I give up and miss half the blog. Is there anyway this can be fixed? (don’t mean to be whiny)
I consider myself “jinxed” when it comes to jury duty. You know how some people never get called and others get called all the time? Well, I’m in the second group. I’ve only been old enough to do jury duty for not quite 7 years and I’ve already had 3 summons, and those were all within probably 4 of those years! The first time I didn’t end up having to go in thank goodness! But the second time, they sent me a notice while I was away at college and when I called, they made me reschedule it for my Christmas break! And it ended up being a 4 day trial, taking up my last week of break! How dare they! 🙂 The last time I had jury duty was about a year and a half ago. There were tons of jurors there so I figured the chances of me actually getting on the jury were very small. But guess what? Out of the entire room, my name was the very first one they called!!! And yep, I got on the jury. But luckily that trial only lasted a few hours, deliberation and all! Hopefully I’ve paid my dues in this short time and don’t have to go through a lifetime of crazy jury duty stories! But maybe if I do have to go again, I’ll take someone with me like you did and try to make it fun! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I was actually selected for jury duty once. After three days in court, the trial abrubtly ended and the defendent went to jail for contempt of court – he refused to be polite to the judge. Scandalous, I tell you!
Oh Beth – we quite possibly may have gotten thrown out if I was there with you (but only for being too LOUD). I absolutely love to people watch and play. My friend Lanie and I adore making up crazy, fun, and romantic stories about strangers and laugh ourselves silly so as to prove that “laughter doeth good like a medicine.” It works, because we feel so good and have much fun!
The one time I was called for jury duty I made it down to the small group where the lawyers actually interview and you have to stand up and talk. (It was sort of like where Gideon’s army was culled when the men either lapped like a dog or scooped the water with their hands!!!)
You had to stand up and say your name, and where you worked, and if married, your spouse’s name and vocation. Once I said “pastor’s wife,” BOTH the defense lawyer AND the prosecutor looked down and started writing so fast, I knew I was either headed OUT or I was going to be the the HEAD jury foreman. I was headed out!!!
So glad Hawk was there…she’s good people! And coffee? Wow, you are highly favored.
I am so sad to not be in Richmond with you, but I’m going back to the Mansion to celebrate Mrs. Mary’s birthday with a BIG party…in the ballroom…wish you could be there too! We could really make up some fun stories!!!
Love much,
G.J.
PSS: The Presidential Suite has been remodeled. I’ll send pictures to you!
Beth,
Like you, I am intrigued with the legal system.Once I was chosen to be on a jury for a murder retrial here in Richmond, Va. The jury was sequestered for 3 days. We could not even go into the bathroom at the restaurants we ate in without a deputy present. There were no phones or TVs in our hotel rooms. It was a bittersweet experience.
I, too, am looking forward to your “visit” next week. I
can’t wait to hear what the Lord has for us through you!
Marianne
Wow! What a great attitude. I’ve served jury duty three times, and I didn’t have nearly as good an attitude about it as you do. Then again, I didn’t have Hawk.
My case involved a guy who came out, took one look at the jury, and changed his plea to guilty. I guess none of us had a very good attitude and it must have shown on our faces.
You are a hoot! I think you can have fun anywhere! You are definitely an “otter”!
I really wish everyone would stop replying to this post —- LOL— I’ve been trying to get a bit of work done today, but I keep coming back to check for new comments. (thanks a lot Beth ~ said sarcastically) This has been way too much fun. I got a laugh out of the lady who read it to her husband. I could just see mine pretending to listen while he had his nose stuck in a hunting magazine……well I guess I’d better get back to entering youth into the 4-H database. Have a wonderful weekend ya’ll.
“A happy heart makes the face cheerful.” Proverbs 15:13
One of my dearest friends is a superior court judge.
You should see what goes on behind closed doors when I visit with her!!! So fun!!!
((( HUGS ))))
glad you were released!!!
I have never been called to jury duty, so I have no story there. I just have to say I love me a good Beth blog.
Two of our three pastors at church spent the entire month of August on jury duty at the same time LOL…we used that as proof that God has a huge sense of humor.
I just have to share that I am sooo excited to be coming {with a group of gals from church} to your Richmond event. Praying for you as we lead up to what I am confident is going to be an incredible time! Thank you for all you do to pour into our lives!
I just can’t read all these posts about juries and the legal system without thinking about all the biblical references.
Jury of our peers is so interesting because it is our nature to think we’re not as bad as others. If we’re innocent, we want to see the criminal pay. If we’re guilty, we want to get out of the punishment. Sure, we can admit we mess up, but I’m a pretty good person, right?
We’re all guilty before the Judge, God. Yet the best part is we don’t have to pay the debt because Jesus already did. Paid for our eternal salvation and our freedom from bondage to sin.
Thank you JESUS! Praise you Lord!
BETH MOORE!
This post is one of the many reasons that I love you and read your blog all the time!!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I love jury duty and have never been chosen either but always wanted to be picked! It’s actually on my “bucket list”, to serve on a jury!
You’re a hoot Beth Moore! I love you!
have a fantastic rest of your day today!
+Ragan
My younger brother used to work in the place you were today. He called names and herded potential jurors. Glad y’all had fun there.
btw – I, myself (as in “me”), got a new job last week after searching for many months. HalleluYah! So, thanks for your prayers during what I was jokingly starting to call my 🙁 down time. I’m the new Program Manager for University of Houston – Northwest Campus located at Lone Star College-University Park on 249 & Louetta (part of old HP complex). Send me students or just drop by to say howdy.
-Lynnette
Served on grand jury for 18 months — I was saddened by how much drugs is prevalent among teens 🙁 One God thing that happened while I served was that a very dear friend had to testify in front of grand jury because her 2 sons were molested by a family member. I tried to get off telling them I was a friend and knew things about this case already, however, they would not let me go. I decided I was there because God wanted a friendly face for this poor mother to look at while she had to share the horrid things were sons went thru.
This is my first post but I’m an old fan…I think I counted 8 or 10 of your bible study books on my shelf one time…I’m a 30 year old mother of a 9 and 7 year old, sitting in my office with your blog as my homepage so everyday when I sit down to take care of some piece of business with a little red “urgent” ! next to it…I see the update of what’s happening with you guys and usually it makes me cry. Mostly, because you and your daughters are so blessed with that insight that allows you to see and say things that we are all thinking/feeling/longing for and it touches that place inside of us that makes us feel a part of something…seen…something like that. I’ve always said one of the jobs I think I would love would be to write a newspaper column somewhere that talks about being a mama and a wife and a daughter and a friend…and you guys do that. Thank you!
On to the jury duty story…my one and only jury duty experience was fleeting…my husband is in law enforcement and that check box pretty much gets ya thrown out in the first few minutes. But, I had made it through and into the courtroom…and alas, I was nursing a wee one and had to tell everyone, when pressed(hah!), that I could not serve, because I had a two month old I needed to breastfeed(RIGHT THEN let me tell ya!). My 21 year old, first-time mama sensibilities were SO embarrassed to confess this…I think I blushed ALL day. Nine years later, I would get a kick out of it but alas, I’ve never been chosen again…=) Happy Wednesday and thanks for the encouragement!
I served on the jury for a murder trial several years ago. It was a fascinating case and a fascinating experience. To greatly condense the facts of the case, I’ll just say that the victim was shot, but did not die until a couple months after the injury, from a blood clot. The defense, of course, said that it wasn’t the defendant’s fault, but rather the fault of the medical care the victim received.
We ultimately found the defendant guilty of assault with intent to do great bodily harm. After handing down the verdict, the judge came to the jury room and told us we had reached the correct verdict. Because of his prior criminal record, the defendant was sentenced to 30-40 years in prison.
It was rewarding to be part of a team of 12 strangers that came together to discuss and reach a decision, and then hear that decision affirmed by the presiding judge.
I also want to say thanks for an inspired weekend in Lexington! This was my third LPL Event, and it just gets sweeter every time!
Last year spent four days listening to attorney explaining why a resturant was suppose to hand over more than 750,000.00 to a customer who slipped and fell. But was not injured. Jury only awarded the intial vist to the hospital on the night of the fall.
No fun at all.
When I was in college a few of us took the train into Philadelphia to go to court for research for a class. One of the lawyers saw us sitting in the back with notebooks so he came to talk to us. When he found out we were students he explained some things about the process which was interesting. What bothers me the most is I remember watching the jury and so many of them didn’t seem like they were paying attention at all and some looked like they were going to take a nap! And, these people were responsible for making a decision concerning the guilt or innocence of a young man’s life!
Why do I get the feeling that you would’ve been like Aunt Bee on Andy Griffith if you HAD gotten picked? “But he seems like such a nice man!” Thanks for the chuckles! You are a hoot!
Commenting from Canada, I was sent notice that I might have to go to jury duty, and to send a note as to why they shouldn’t pick me; so at the time I was a single mom and of course the only income for the family.
The jury was for a big case involving a plane blown up over Ireland that had left Canada last and with a helpful baggage personnel got the bomb/suitcase on board. This all happened before 9-11. They excused me from my duty thankfully for it took over 3 years to come to a conclusion and I could have been sequested for the full time. In fact after some time, they excused all the jury and only used a judge and his 3 years of time.
I have never been asked again thankfully, I too would take it as my duty as a Canadian to do my part; but I have a vivid imagination and a queezy stomach and hearing gorey details of most situations would have me not sleep probably for years after.
Thank you Beth for making a good story of your life, and helping us see the humor in various situations. I loved the coffee moment, probably b/c I would be the same blond who would think it was just offered to keep the would-be juriors awake. I too would have not stepped foot near that coffee carafe again! Thanks be to Hawk who brought relief to a wounded heart. A morning without coffee? How could one think? Let alone hear her name called for duty?!
This post made me laugh out loud several times! Oh my word. The only time I’ve ever been summoned was while I was still in college, so obviously I was able to get out of it. I’m just waiting now for my next one. Does Hawk want to volunteer to take me when it’s my turn? I have a feeling it would be a much more enjoyable experience with her.
I have been called often and never been picked for jury duty, evidently either because 1.)they see a blonde one coming a mile away, or 2) I am just too normal looking…In the one case where it looked like I WAS going to be picked, the charge was DWI, and someone had been hit..My daughter was hit by a drunk driver her senior year of high school, and she survived by the grace of God. The memory was too fresh, and when they asked if there was anyone who thought they might be too passionate one way or the other about the case, my hand shot up. Yep I feel pretty strongly… I am very thankful for those who serve this nation every day, protecting our Constitution and our rights. And by the way Beth, I’ve NEVER seen that big hair part among those Bill of Rights…BUT IT SHOULD BE!
Can you beat all – I was called for jury duty this week, too. Here in Oregon. Well… I had to change my monthly cut/color (a real ordeal) and I was not pleased to have to do that… then I had to get a sub for the weekly fitness class I teach…made arrangements to work on Monday and all the necessary arrangements that would allow me to be out of the office on Tuesday and Thursday(I only work those 2 days)so… I am ready to show up and do my civic duty… as you put it your civil duty… whatever… I get a letter in the mail last Friday saying that many of the cases had been resolved and my services were not going to be needed this week – I will however be placed back into the “pool” to be called again… I am sure it will be when I next have my cut/color all set and ready to go…I enjoyed your entry – know exactly how you felt and will be so blessed if we have wifi in our jury room – I kinda doubt that will be the case but think I will bring my ‘lil traveler laptop in my bag just in case. Looking forward to seeing you in Spokane come October… blesings dear one…
Malinda, at least I didn’t have to reschedule my cut and color!!
Here’s my experience on my blog post. http://diggingdeep-amy.blogspot.com/2009/03/what-not-to-wear-and-when-rejection.html
What a great blessing to have someone with you! If only I’d thought of that when called to jury duty on my 30th wedding anniversary! Hubby would have LOVED (uh huh) sitting with me all day!
I’ve been “summonsed” twice here in the State of SC but have never been chosen to actually sit on a jury. Something about defense attorneys not wanting the wife of a policeman on the jury?? Still, it was interesting and a bit of an adventure to see how the legal system works, even if it was just for a day.
Love it! And just have to say that I was well on my way to law school when God called me to do missions instead after college so there’s a similarity for you. Here’s another: though I don’t have big blonde hair (today), the humidity here in south MS means I certainly have big brunette hair. After living through a severe drought in Africa, I vowed never to complain about rain, but surely complaining about the humidity that comes with it isn’t quite the same?
I’ve never been chosen – probably because I was the editor of the local paper and that seems like a bad idea to lawyers for some reason! I have covered a few pretty interesting trials – and I’ve been threatened by a judge for (very quietly, I thought) entering and exiting his courtroom during the proceedings. I couldn’t help it! I was on a deadline and this was before laptops and wifi. As a big-time rule-follower, I was mortified!
One year I went for jury duty and upon entering the courtroom for the jury selection process, our dear friend and lawyer, Roger entered. I whispered to the person sitting next to me, “Oh Praise the Lord, I am so out of here.” The judge asked if I thought knowing one of the attorneys would influence my decisions and I said, ” Well I would really believe everything Roger said because I knew him to be completely honest.” I was soon happily on my way home! Roger, I owe you one!
Marty, that is hilarious! I feel the same way about him.
I’ve been reading this wonderful blog for quite some time, but this is only my second comment to leave. The first was to tell Melissa that I love her fierce protective defense of you.
The second is just to say I just love you. Thanks for making me laugh. I really needed it today.
Angel in Tucson, AZ
I was just at jury duty on Monday here in San Antonio. I actually felt like maybe I should have gone to law school instead of nursing school. I was potential juror #15 for a civil case. I sat and listened and then the lawyer asked me my opinion. Well….it was a custody battle. A mom and a dad who both claimed to love their elementary-aged boys. Listening to the lawyers, it sounded to me like both of them were being vindictive toward one another and not thinking about their children. So I said that I thought the parents were being incredibly selfish to put their children through this all the way to a judge and a jury of 12 complete strangers for them to decide who the children were going to live with. Needless to say, I did not get picked, but I have been praying for that family and those boys all week.
Laughing – the reason they dismissed you is well – so legal! Too funny. I will use that next time I am downtown paying $10.00 for parking (IF I find the right place at the right time – otherwise – much more!!!)) to receive the $6.00 for coming down and fighting traffic – but yes, we good citizens do render to Caesar . . . big hair indeed!
Well, that’s pretty neat that you get paid there for jury duty. We don’t get paid here in Colorado unless you have to drive more than 75 miles. Once I served on a federal grand jury in downtown Denver and it was 70 miles away, so all the gas, parking and other expenses were on me. My daughter was just born, so I was thnakful when they said that the man pleaded guilty before the end of the day.
The only other time I served was locally. A man was suing his doctor for malpractice. When I was interviewed, they asked if I had any affiliation with the medical community. I said that my dad was a doctor. I thought they’d definitely want me on the jury because of that, but they got rid of me faster than a hot potato. Rats! I was looking forward to sitting through the whole trial.
Both of these occured before wifi, cell phones and Starbuck’s. See how much fun you can have now? I thought the dating game was a hoot! I never would have thought of that…how clever!
I have only served on a jury once. The plaintiff had followed a car after it cut him off. He followed the car right into the owners driveway and beat him up with a baseball bat. On the jury was a Christian man who said he could not cast judgment on anyone. After we had gone round and round debating the case,I told this kind man that I too was a Christian, and it was our civic duty to listen and judge this case fairly. If he could not do this, he should have told the judge. He agreed and we found the plaintiff guilty. Later during lunch (we all ate together since we had bonded and still had time to serve)the judge came into the restaurant we were eating at. He came over and told us “Yeah the guy was guilty… good job”!
About 5 years ago (in Brazoria County, Texas), I was at a jury pre-selection. Both lawyers had thrown out all of the prospective jurors that they could, and the judge selected the next 24 people (of which I was one) for the lawyers. They were allowed to ask each one of us 1 question, and then the judge would pick the 12 of us to sit on the jury.
In the case, a man was sueing a major chemical company in our area because he had hurt his back at work and filed for workman’s compensation. (He now had a permanently weak/hurt back as a result of his injury, or so he contended.) He felt that his superiors were overlooking him for advancement in the workplace because he had filed for the workman’s compensation.
We were all sworn in again before the lawyers began their questioning and admonished by the judge to answer as truthfully as possible. My question from the defendent’s lawyer was, “Are you acquainted with Mr. —— ?”
I hesitated a moment and then stated, “No, I have never been introduced to him before, but I know who he is.”
The company lawyer immediately asked his question. “Exactly how do you know who he is?” Since my occupation was recorded for them, I know he expected me to say that I had had one of his children in my classroom, but that wasn’t my answer. I truthfully answered, “We’ve bowled in the same bowling league every Saturday night for the last 3 months.”
Needless to say, his suit concerning his bad back was immediately dismissed by the judge. The judge kept me afterward and suggested that I might not want to continue bowling on that league (the man yelled several things at me as he was escorted from the courtroom), and he had me walked to my vehicle by an officer to make sure that the man wasn’t waiting for me outside.
It was an experience! And I never REALLY served on a jury!
I served on jury duty for 3 months many years back. I actually got picked for 2 cases, a driving while intoxicated case and a medical malpractice case. We got paid $15 per day and they paid cash! No coffee, no snacks and uncomfortable wooden chairs. Wifi did not exist and I’m thinking I didn’t have a cell phone then which is really funny considering I am in the cell phone business now. So we sat and chatted and read the newspaper. The older ladies knitted and the men talked about fishing. It’s a small town so everyone ended up knowing someone else or their mother… Funny to think back on it.
Seriously, this must have been a scene and a half especially when the lawyers voir dire-d you. I would love to hear how you explained your profession. Jury duty is democracy at work…however, it is unbelievable how people try to get out of it, especially by lying or trying to act hostile…or like they hold a grudge against the defendant (whether an individual or corporation). I was made the mistake (irony) of telling the truth when I was voir dired-d and I got chosen during my experience. I was on quite a line-up and it is never easy to decide someone’s fate, whether civil or criminal. I think it shows us all how one day the books will be opened and the Ancient of Days is going to take His seat. Similarly, we will either love the truth or hate it on that day. He is trustworthy and true and the faithful witness. Amen!
no comment about jury duty but just wanted to say… All silly girls unite!
You crack me up Beth, I can always depend on you saying something that tickles me, and make me laugh right out loud.
I have only been called upon for jury duty once in all of my 54 years on this earth and was dismissed after some questioning. But while I was there I ran into two different women I had not seen in a very long time and had lunch with one of them, so that was fun.
Last year I was called for jury duty. I did not want to go and I told the Lord all my reasons– several times. Don’t misunderstand,I’m all for justice, I just didn’t want to be the one making that kind of decision.
I went to the court house mentally kicking and screamimg, saying “Lord you know my reasons for not wanting to be on a jury. Get me out of this, if it is your will.”
As the directions for the day were being presented , the fire alarm sounded and we all filed out of the building. After two hours of standing in the hot FL sun, we were sumoned back in only to be told that there had been a bomb threat and we were dismissed and would not be called again for at least a year.
I laughed all the way to my car, saying “Lord you not only got me out of jury duty but did you have clear the whole buiding too?”
I seemed to sense His smile and in my spirit hear “Child, I’m the one who moves the mountains”.
I’ll never forget that day that the Lord moved my mountain in that jury room!
P.S.Beth, I know this is a late entry, but I had to respond after I read your blog.