Tag Archives: defendant

Law & Order It Was Not – Part 4

Jury Duty

A conclusion of Law & Order It Was Not part 1part 2 and part 3.

Now we’re at the really cool part, the part that makes us Americans, because we are a democratic society that values freedom and fair and just above all else.  And before you go cynically thinking “fair and just above all else my ass”, sure maybe it is a rose-tinted view looking around at the vitriol being spewed and the violence being enacted domestically right now, but no system is perfect and I have to believe that the freedoms our practices provide is worth an imperfect system (because it’s still ultimately a better system). Continue reading

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Law & Order It Was Not – Part 3

Jury Duty

A continuation of Law & Order It Was Not part 1 and part 2.

The jury box was awesome. The seats were like extra cushiony Captain Kirk chairs, and just like his, they swiveled, too. Not like Law & Order at all. We were allowed to sit wherever, there was no assignment, and then the judge had us take an oath. We were sent to the jury room through a side door shortly after, which was located off the long corridor behind the courtroom.

Once we entered what seemed like a tiny room for twelve individuals, we each took a seat along the wall or at the table and began to size one another up, as you do. Nobody said much as we waited for directions. The bailiff eventually entered in and gave us our juror credentials that were meant to be worn at all times so attorneys and clients would be sure not to engage with us outside of the courtroom.  We all thought we’d be dismissed for the day so the trial could begin on Tuesday, but not ten minutes later they had us back in the jury box listening to opening statements. It was awesome. Continue reading

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