Hi Folks,
I just spent 3 days on Jury Duty. A very worth while experience.
This makes my fourth time as a juror.
I realize, for some people it is a humbug, loss of income and a time out from work.
I'm retired, I have the time and I LIKE to serve on Juries.
This time it was a Sex Assault III case. The facts really don't matter as it ended up in a hung jury. 9 Not Guilty and 3 Guilty. I voted Not Guilty.
The bottom line is, "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" The case had problems and we couldn't figure it all out, not with the "facts" as presented.
My Favorite line from Massad Ayoob; Do NOT Lie to the jury.
Believe me, we went around so much that a Court in session next door Complained we were making too much noise.
Pay is $30 a day plus milage. On the last day, we went to the Federal Building cafeteria for $9 per person lunch.
Bring on jury duty is not exactly fun. You are deciding the fate of a person. Whether or not he/she goes to prison or not. Becomes a Registered sex offender.
Even if we had found him/her Not Guilty, the Arrest record for sex assault will be a permanent mark against that person. It will Never go away.
If found guilty and even if the Governor gave that person a Pardon, The Arrest will still be there. That will never be erased. Or so I'm told.
I Do tell people that Jury Duty is something that should not be ignored. It is part of the American System of Justice.
It is a Duty that everyone should do at least once. It is an eye opening experience.
If you want to know more, catch me After a get together. Be happy to answer your questions in person.