I was summoned for jury duty for the first time in my life at the beginning of July. After 8 hours of limited Internet access and sitting in uncomfortable court pews, I was selected to serve on a jury for a murder trial. Jury duty is one of the most intense and unique experiences I have ever had. I have not witnessed anything like it. Here is a summary of what I learned from my experience:
1. Jurors have little to no control over their schedule while they are in court. It is impossible to plan further than tomorrow. You don't find out what time you're due at court the next day until the end of the day.
2. Jury duty is about 'hurrying up and waiting'. If you have been told to be in the jury room at 8:30, you will not be summoned into the court room until at least 9:30. If you are told to be back from lunch at 1, you will not be summoned until 1:30.
3. If a sidebar is called where the judge and the attorneys talk about something that is not meant for the jury to hear, a 15 minute break at least is likely to follow. If not, the jury needs to try not to hear the attorneys quietly yelling at each and try to look as despondent as possible. Laughing is a no-no, apparently.
4. Water is a commodity- bring your own!
5. Jury seats are uncomfortable, but more comfortable than the pews in the courtroom. Bring a pillow!
6. Jurors love donuts and other free food! Bring some in to score brownie points with your fellow jurors.
7. Defense attorneys have a hard job. Prosecutors have an even harder job. It is so difficult getting witnesses to be truthful and consistent. Try not to end up on the witness stand.
8. People on juries are chosen by a combination of random and not-so-random selection. There are probably people on the jury that one would never associate with in 'real' life. Enjoy it.
