Jury Duty

I have been on the jury listening to a criminal case for several days now. It is a very interesting experience. I keep thinking that I’m part of a TV show. Many of the witnesses and other court room people look just like caricatures of the people who would play their part on “Law and Order,” “Judging Amy” or “CSI.” Then I realize that this is real and I am being asked to decide someone’s guilt or innocence. It’s a bit intimidating. Many years have gone into the preparation of this case just to present it all to my fellow jurors and me. This is not a case that has received any press. No one will gain any fame or notoriety. All their work is just for the benefit of the jury.

Every morning two big, strong security guards meets the jury members as we arrive and escorts us into the building through a back door and leads us through back halls to our jury room. In the evening we are escorted out and protected until we leave the parking lot. In fact I am grateful to have them there to protect us. I’m not sure I like feeling a need to be protected. I will be grateful when this is over.

I will tell you about the case after it is concluded. Stay tuned.