Extremely rare that I am at this end of the CBD at 7.30 in the morning.
Having breakfast, over the road is the District Court. At least 200 people are lined up outside, stretching along the footpath.
As they enter, they are showing a piece of paper to the attendant. Must be potential jurors, going in for the selection process.
The one time I was chosen for jury duty, maybe 1995 - 97? I do not remember lining up outside such as is happening now.
I haven’t been on the jury list for decades, I was put on the list for two consecutive terms (it’s a ballot) I think each term is two years. Was never on the list either before or since. If I got a letter now I would claim an exemption on account of my advanced age.
Funny thing I got called several times in the first term but only once in the second.
Seem to remember I double dipped, my employer still paid me on full pay and I claimed an allowance from the court so that worked out well (it wasn’t dishonesty, I was told to)
Yes,only once.I enjoyed it.
Some violence toward a pub landlord.
The female lawyer for the prosecution had to read what was said including lots of swear words,got me a bit embarrassed but didn’t faze her at all.
Me too, then I opted out at 65, the state allows that.
It’s sort of a long day going to one court room to another
all morning & afternoon at the courthouse. I was selected.
Drug dealer opted to plead a deal.
Yea now your searched and your belt and stuff hung up in a locker.
I did jury duty many years ago at a crown court. Luckily the 2 cases I heard lasted only a day some can go on for weeks. Ones I remember was a business partner not only taking company funds but also stealing his partners wifes jewelry , oh and havng a affair with her as well. The other a two conmen pretending o represent a local church and going door to door asking for money.
Intersting couple of weeks when one had to attend wether called to sit or dismissed. the court usher explained proceedings first of all and what to expect. Knowing you could put someone into jail brings home how serious listening to evidence is.
This was when I worked for BT so must have been at least 30 years ago
I was called to do jury service several years ago - it was a murder trial and although it was quite harrowing in places it was also very interesting. Due to it being a murder trial we were then excused by the judge from further jury service for the next 10 years, which took me out of the age group eligible to be called.
I did jury service when I was in my thirties.
Yes, I did jury duty a long time ago
I did my stint back in 2003. A couple of teenagers fighting over a mobile phone.
I actually quite enjoyed doing it. My only gripe was the courthouse was quite a drive away and they wouldn’t cover parking charges.
I have been on a Jury twice and couple of days both times .
I do not agree that it should be mandatory and here in Miami many just ignore it which no longer disagree with as federal employees , politicians , Judges and family do not do it , neither do police and list goes on so in the USA once again the " little people " have to do it .
I did it both times in Albany , I was called here at 71 but after 70 you no longer have to do it so did not .
Yes. A Myopic insight, to what a divided nation we are.
Raising the max age from 70 > 75yo. Emphasising.
Had a chance four different times in younger years, but never actually made it to the courtroom.
First time, I had young children, so THEY notified me I wasn’t needed.
Twice I got notice to show up for county grand jury. Then… nope, no need to report.
Last time, they settled case out of court before court time.
I was one of the few who would have certainly done my civic duty, but it never came to pass.
I was exempt due to my job.
Hi
So was I from mid twenties on wards
Before that I was in the same department as the Coroner so as.not actually working for him and being a lowly trainee I was on many Coroners jurors at very short notice to make up the numberd
Yes, I did just service. It was pretty much cut and paste - the guy was quite clearly innocent - but just one individual made it a long palaver. Obviously he wanted his say even what innocent guy wanted.
I think age limit on Jury duty varies state to state .
In the USA , MANY are exempt and I have no problem with that but so should anyone who does not want to do it IMO .
I am not sure I would want to be tried by a jury of volunteers. Like voting I think it is a civic duty and should be compulsory with very few exceptions.
But that is the problem at least in the USA , there are lots of exceptions so after awhile people had enough .
Edit , I do not see it as any duty and for me any way tired of politicians , " Powers that be " who do NOT do jury duty nor much of anything else telling me what my civic duty is . I did it the 2x picked but if could go back in time would not .
In your case I think politicians are also exempt as are Judges family members ?