My husband has now been called twice. The first time was in 2008 for grand jury duty – I don’t remember there being a voir dire for that one. However, earlier this year he was called and chosen for a murder/arson trial.
That one took up six weeks and ended in a mistrial during deliberations after three jurors had to be excused – separately after deliberations had begun. They had already lost two of the six alternates before the end of the trial. (I saw it reported wrongly that they were out of alternates, there were still two. The defense moved for a mistrial and the judge granted it.) This reminds me to check and see if they decided to retry the accused.
Fun fact: The original term was “a jury of peers” – that’s peers as in members of the peerage; nobility. And it only applied to peers. As it was explained to me, each noble still was sole judge for commoners in their fiefdom, but the nobility insisted on a trial by peers to avoid the monarch having total power over them (Magna Carta, I think, but am not sure; anyone more versed in UK history than I care to confirm or deny? Thanks).
At my first jury summons, the judge said this could be a landmark case and wanted the best and brightest jurors. I could see his profound disappointment as those selected by the attorneys were the most moronic, and least sane of the pool. Yeah, yeah, I see it coming. No, I was not selected.
C almost 3 years ago
Peerless comedy
Ratkin Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I’ve seen several juries where you’d fit just fine.
whahoppened almost 3 years ago
My wife was on a work injury case. She thoroughly enjoyed it. (Settled out of court)
cdward almost 3 years ago
I’ve been called up several times but never selected.
Nighthawks Premium Member almost 3 years ago
many are called but few are chosen
WCraft Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Rim shot.
LoveBritTV Premium Member almost 3 years ago
My husband has now been called twice. The first time was in 2008 for grand jury duty – I don’t remember there being a voir dire for that one. However, earlier this year he was called and chosen for a murder/arson trial.
That one took up six weeks and ended in a mistrial during deliberations after three jurors had to be excused – separately after deliberations had begun. They had already lost two of the six alternates before the end of the trial. (I saw it reported wrongly that they were out of alternates, there were still two. The defense moved for a mistrial and the judge granted it.) This reminds me to check and see if they decided to retry the accused.
d edwin almost 3 years ago
Been called up but never reply. Throw the card in the trash…
Cozmik Cowboy almost 3 years ago
Fun fact: The original term was “a jury of peers” – that’s peers as in members of the peerage; nobility. And it only applied to peers. As it was explained to me, each noble still was sole judge for commoners in their fiefdom, but the nobility insisted on a trial by peers to avoid the monarch having total power over them (Magna Carta, I think, but am not sure; anyone more versed in UK history than I care to confirm or deny? Thanks).
drycurt almost 3 years ago
At my first jury summons, the judge said this could be a landmark case and wanted the best and brightest jurors. I could see his profound disappointment as those selected by the attorneys were the most moronic, and least sane of the pool. Yeah, yeah, I see it coming. No, I was not selected.
ChukLitl Premium Member almost 3 years ago
I’ve known too many suspects & victims. I’m too much of a peer with the defendants.
raybarb44 almost 3 years ago
Oh. You do have a peer group. Just not one that would be called to be a juror……
Ed Brault Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Just sit in the back with some knitting, rocking back and forth muttering “Gillotine…gillotine…”