I’ll have jury duty for two weeks and unfortunately I can’t discuss what cases I’ve heard on social media. However, they didn’t mention discussing how I felt about the ordeal. Believe me, it’s so frustrating that I can’t share details of certain cases because it’s so fascinating—not so much the cases themselves, but the some cases that actually are heard daily!
I became a U. S. citizen a few years ago, in college. I remembered debating whether I should have become one or not. I realized later that I had come to love the country I resided in and had no plans of actually leaving. Jury duty is just part of the services required of you as a citizen.
I knew I would have been called for jury duty eventually, but it had been a matter of when and where (I’ve moved so much). Last year I selected in April but had to postpone since my marathon was coming up. However, a few weeks ago I got summoned once again.
A Grand Juror.
Grand jurors don’t work on trials. In fact, I won’t experience what you see in the courtroom on tv shows like Law and Order. Grand Jurors decide whether someone is indicted or not. They don’t determine guilt. They ponder upon the evidence provided by witnesses about whether someone could be guilty. This is determined if there’s reasonable evidence. After this experience I’ll have a better understanding of how the law works on that.
In fact, prior to this, my ignorance about the justice system hadn’t made me realize that there’s actually a peer group who determines whether a case makes it to trial. Now I know, if I ever have to sue someone. No wonder years ago my lawyer found it easier to settle out of court instead of suing a company for me (oh, you don’t know this story?—One I’m not allowed to share.)
The idea that more than 12 out of 23 people have to vote on a case, or not, is interesting to me. We don’t deliberate in front of the prosecutor to come up with a decision. We can create a true bill or dismiss the case entirely. What could have been or what the person did prior has nothing to do with it. For example, if someone stole your property, the fact that he was a career criminal might not be a factor in the deciding whether he is indicted—that’s for the trial. However, if your wallet was missing and there’s footage, as long as he was arrested and positively identified in the footage, he will be indicted. This is also done by our memory or evidence marshalled from the prosecutor’s notes. So, imagine relying on memory if days went by!
Anyway, back to the example: He could also be dismissed if more than 12 jurors don’t think there’s enough evidence. It’s quite troubling that there’s a possibility that it could happen despite there being no reasonable doubt that he had done it.
That’s the system. We were given juror handbooks that you can read here. Was quite the wakeup call to me. I’ll have to say, I’m happy that I hadn’t decided to study law but don’t be surprised if I have some sort of intrigue for the next few weeks/months. I lucked out because if I had been called 2 weeks prior, I would have been there for 3 months! So, for the next week I’ll be at court. There’s also a very high stakes case going on with trial jurors that I’m super curious about but haven’t visited. However, I see people with signs outside about cops. It’s very disheartening.
Have you ever served on a jury?
Jerlyn
Doing your duty http://t.co/uYTuPCh4AH
Rita Weeks
Really interesting perspective Jerlyn! I can’t wait to hear more as it continues. I just want to point out one thing – grand juries only exist for criminal matters. There is no similar peer group who decides if there is enough evidence for a civil case to go to trial (or proceed after a civil complaint is filed). So if you ever need to sue someone civilly in the future, there isn’t a group of peers who will decide whether there is enough evidence for your civil claims to be considered further. There are motions the opposing party can file to try and get your civil case dismissed before the case gets to trial (on various grounds), but the judge decides those. I don’t know enough about your prior situation to know what exactly happened, but your lawyer couldn’t have settled due to the existence of a grand jury, because there are no grand juries in civil cases. There are many reasons why it is easier to settle a civil dispute rather than file a lawsuit and engage in litigation (as well as generally being less stressful, less expensive, faster to obtain a resolution, etc.) but the complications from/existence of a grand jury isn’t one because there isn’t a grand jury involved.
Rita Weeks
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Jerlyn M. Thomas
Good to know! Rita this is actually the only time I’m going to write about it because I can’t share anything else.
Kyle Palmer
I’m so jealous.
Jerlyn M. Thomas
Haha why Kyle? I wonder how many people would volunteer for this. Most people try to get out of it and now I know why. Lol it’s tough being in a room with 22 other people who think so different and you can’t escape… I feel like it’s adult “time out”
Kyle Palmer
I don’t know. I just think it’s fascinating, and maybe it’s because I haven’t had jury duty yet (I’ve been summoned twice but never made it to the selection part). I might sing a different song if I ever get it haha
Sara Cofresi
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Jerlyn M. Thomas
Lol I think so too. We are just sitting around and waiting most of the time
Rita Weeks
I figured you won’t be posting as you aren’t allowed to share specifics but I love to hear your perspective of the experience generally (without specifics of the case) so if you are allowed to share any more of that please do. 🙂 For example how it feels to be put in a group of people who think so differently from each other like you mentioned. Without mentioning what the different thinking is specifically. You know? I am sure they have given strict instructions not to talk about anything though so I understand you won’t be posting.
Jerlyn M. Thomas
Yes that’s what I wrote in the entry
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