I was an observer in the courtroom...not a defendant...just for the record. And my husband was the lawyer. I watched him and the trial for 8 days. How fascinating and how interesting! It was a complex medical case, with all kinds of ivy educated people with long lists of capital letters after their names taking the stand, trying to explain their reasoning to a cross section of society jury. The jury was the most interesting of all, I think because they paid such close attention. Some of the testimony, especially the experts, was complicated. I told my husband I found it challenging to put the pieces together and I have a medical background...how was a lay jury supposed to understand this stuff? He told me to not have a snobby attitude and underestimate people..and I will be enlightened by American court system. He was right. They listened to every witness and every lawyer with such attention I was distracted watching them pay attention! Every witness got a chance to explain. Each side got the chance to explain their reasoning and their position with the expectation of attention from everyone in the room. It really was an eye opening experience. And so fun to keep on learning new things everyday! I would like to be on a jury....the 4 times I got called I had too many little kids at home and could not leave them alone..when I get called again...I am going!
He won.
Of course he did!
ReplyDeleteI have jury duty next week. I hope to get on a case, I need the material!
ReplyDeleteCranky Old Man
I've never been on a jury either. The first case I was called for was a civil case and I worked for an insurance company. The next time I was called I was starting nusing school full time... so I was released from my duty. The third time I had two small children and the fourth tme was 3 years ago and the case was dismissed. I am wondering if this year I will be called. We've lived here for almost 10 years and I was called twice, my husband never...go figure!!! Congrats to your hubby and glad you jad fun learning. Have a great weekend Annmarie!
ReplyDeletei have been called but never sat on a jury...i find the court system rather fascinating though and def the mystery laid out before you and having to make a decision...its got to be tough too knowing a life hangs in the balance
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a jury or even got the call to be in one yet. I'm not sure if I want to. Glad he won!
ReplyDeleteI have been on 3 juries and each was unique and extremely interesting.
ReplyDeletecongrats to your hubby and I'm happy you had a good experience.
Of course he won!
ReplyDeleteI was called by Federal Court once just before we moved south and was excused since it was after our move date. Then last year some twenty five years later, I was called but the judge sent us home the first day and I never had to go back- lucky me! Glad because it was a drug case.
As much as I dislike jury duty, a lot can be learned from observing a coutroom and even more can be extracted from studying a jury....
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that your husband won the case!
Sorry for the above typo. I meant to say "courtroom".
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! And I enjoy serving on juries, although it's been a while.
ReplyDeleteI have served on jury duty, both federal and county. It certainly is an something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. Then we would be more appreciative of those who do jury duty.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your husband!
I've never been a juror either, but I'd quite like to go and watch as a spectator, must be fascinating!
ReplyDeleteGlad he won! I've never been called on for jury duty, but my friends 1 year old receive a letter to serve her jury duty...interesting :)
ReplyDeleteHappy for him... You're maybe proud of him!!!
ReplyDeleteHooray for hubby! I'd love to be on a jury, too, but the only time I got called was the week I was due with my second child, so they let me off the hook. Still hoping . . .
ReplyDeleteBlessings to you!
I was called for jury service three times sadly i never got into the court room (Sigh) :-).
ReplyDeleteI've been called for jury duty twice. Each time I was dismissed. Glad your husband won his case and you had such a learning experience.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to hubby! My hubby loves being on jury duty. I've never served.
ReplyDeleteThe law is interesting to watch as it winds it's way to a conclusion. The law too often gets negative press because people don't really know what's going on. Your post was interesting on how you observed the work of the jury.
ReplyDeleteI've been called to the jury twice. Each time the defendant elected to be tried by judge alone.
The only time I ever actually got called to be on a jury it was a child molestation case. Very hard to listen to, but I'm glad I was on it because I got the chance to give those little ones some justice. I was amazed at how little credibility some of my co-jurors gave the childrens' testimonies - as in when they would say an act of rape took "an hour" when it could only have been a few minutes, and they felt they were making it up. Unreal. I'm sure it seemed like HOURS to a small child. I don't like jury duty usually, but in this case, I felt like I was needed and did a good job. How interesting to watch your own husband in action - I might have enjoyed that.
ReplyDeleteOur justice system is amazing. I think most people take jury service very seriously and want to do their civic duty. What a great experience to watch your husband try a case.
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to be able to share your husbands win with him. I have never done Jury duty but I am afraid my poor concentration and interpretation of things could send some one to the slammer.:(
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Hubby! What an experience you must have had!
ReplyDeleteHello AnnMarie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog and taking the time to leave your kind comment.
I smiled when I read that you have had mulch delivered because we did too and while I am on the garden walk my hubby will be slinging mulch. He seems to love this job and I ... not so much.
I read with interest your experience in court. I love to watch the tv shows like Dateline. Not because of the sad stories of murders, but because of the whole process of the trial. I have been summoned for jury duty 3 times, but not called yet. I think it would be very interesting to actually serve on the jury. If I ever do I would take it very seriously and pray for guidance.
I have just become a follower of your blog.
I have yet to be called and I have always wanted too!! I know a lot of people say it would be boring... but I would find it interesting! And YAY for the win!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he won. And I'm glad people were smart and listened! Very hopeful. I have not been on a jury either.
ReplyDeleteLove, sandie
Congratulations to your husband on the win. I've been called for jury duty but never selected. I always breath a sigh of relief. Although I am appreciative of our justice system, the idea of being a juror is terrifying to me. I would probably be the one who drives everyone nuts being hyper vigilant,its just such a huge responsibility. Thanks for visiting and have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletei have never done jury duty---i'm glad he won!
ReplyDeleteI've never been asked to be on jury duty but it sure does sound interesting. sometimes i wonder if the people on jury just want to get home to their families and therefore try to agree. i love your blog. i know i said this a few days ago. its probably why you have so many followers but i'd love you to email me and share your advice for blogging for example, how do you get your blog to so many different people? its awesome!
ReplyDeleteitsjustcalledspicy@gmail.com
What a great post.
ReplyDeleteI really LOVE your blog.
You must be very proud of your hubby =)
~Jazmin
Yay for your husband! I got called twice last year for duty. I went once, but had to get excused, because my oldest had mono. Fun times. I hope to someday get to actually serve!
ReplyDeleteI would have been distracted by watching the jury too:) And I love what your husband says about not underestimating people.
ReplyDeleteGoing into see what you husband does is such a loving thing to do. You are a good wife.
ReplyDeleteIt's probably not "normal", but I thoroughly enjoyed every time I served on jury duty. It's fascinating to be a part of it. And for you, I'm sure it's thrilling to watch your husband doing his thing, too.
ReplyDeleteVery cool! Glad he won!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he won. I've served on two juries and both were fascinating experiences.
ReplyDeleteCongratulation to your husband on winning.
ReplyDeleteTell your hubby well done.
ReplyDeleteFor the past 10 years,I have been called seven times to court duty. They left me alone while my children were small, but then the letters from both Federal and local county started to come in. Last month, I, again, got the letter from the Federal court to appear in June. I wrote a letter to ask to be excused, but have not heard anything, so I guess, I will have to appear. I will have to serve in a large city that I fear driving into and if I get on a trial, I will be obsessed about the drive home,rather then the innocence of an individual. I am starting to get anxiety attacks about it.
ReplyDeleteObserving a trial must be fascinating!
ReplyDeletei really think this jury system is interesting :-D i wish we had something like this over here!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your husband! It makes me glad to know that juries are doing their job. Like you, I think that jury duty could be fascinating. Perhaps that is partially thanks to "12 Angry Men" and "Runaway Jury". Loved both of those!
ReplyDeleteThe key words: He won!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd my keywords: To sit in whenever possible.
It should be a great experience.
Thank you for sharing.
I think it would be cool to be on a jury myself although I know a lot of people do not agree they think it is a waste of time or they have better things to do with their time but I am not one of them I was only called up once but at the time I still had children under 18 living at home so was excused........
ReplyDeleteWe have always loved watching the one hour law dramas on T.V. When I was young I wanted so bad to be on a jury. Now that I am old and unable, they send me notices all the time!!! The more you vote, the more likely you will be called, they pull names from voters.
ReplyDeleteB.C., or "Before Children," I was a medical malpractice defense attorney. I loved it because every case was different and you had to learn the medicine. I didn't always love dealing with egotistical docs but most of them were great. Glad you got to see it in action.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the hubs.
I'm glad your Hubby won. My Dad is a lawyer back home and I always enjoyed seeing him preparing for the case. I would never be chosen as a juror because I'm not an American citizen but I always afraid that even if I could I would be bias especially in the pedophiles' cases and others like this.
ReplyDeleteCongos your hubby won the case. I wish lawyers everywhere are so diligent, attentive and just.
ReplyDelete- Surabhi @ Womanatics
and do share your experience when you become one of the jury....I only seen them in movies and interest me so much...
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing.
Hi dear!Thanks a lot for stopping by me, I follow you too!
ReplyDeleteKeep in touch.
Have a nice weekend,
Fabiana
Oh sounds so interesting!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend,
Victoria xx
That's wonderful that people on the jury really do care and listen. I think TV gives us a bad impression of them. Have you seen the old movie, Twelve Angry Men? It's an eye-opener about our attitudes having the ability to cause good or harm being played out in an intense jury scenario. Also, I really enjoyed your earlier post about how watching your husband in action helped renew the original romantic spark that you had for him. God bless! Tina http://happymomshappyhomes.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI once had to testify on a grand jury case against a teacher who was a preditor in my high school and had sex with his students. I wasn't the victim, but my best friend was. He picked girls who were not very confident and would tell them how wonderful they were and so forth. He was such a slime ball. The case wasn't really against him, but against the school district who failed to do anything about him though they had been told on several occations about him. The school district lost. I am glad your husband won his case and that you were ablet to see him in action.
ReplyDeleteHow interesting. I've been called three and two of those times I spent my time on a couch waiting. The first one I had a newborn and couldn't go. Now, they you get no excuse except death or hospitalization. I really want to be on a jury the next two times, I had the time and wanted to see how it worked. Secretly, when I was a kid I wanted to be Perry Mason! The Hubby has encouraged me for years to go to law school but I'm done with school now. I like being an artist!
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteInviting You For A Guest Post In My Blog
Congratulations to Mike on the win! I have tremendous respect for your husband as a lawyer and so happy you could be in the courtroom this past week to see him defend. I'm sure you couldn't have been prouder. I have been Mike's court reporter for many years and have had the privilege to be involved in the many depositions he has taken over the years. I have always admired the way he shows respect to all parties involved and his demeanor is always appropriate. He has a way of getting the right information in a very tactful way. Working with Mike is a true delight and I'm thankful to him for supporting me throughout my career as a court reporter as well. So, good job, once again, Mike....way to go! And so happy you took the time to watch him in trial...always interesting!!!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to watch a trial - even more so when your husband is the attorney! Congratulations on the win for him...and his clients! My dad was in law enforcement, and my BIL is in the FBI, so when I get called for jury duty (it has been a few years now), I frequently get tossed off because of my familial connections. I did get to sit on 2 cases - interesting. One was dismissed because of something the officer said on the stand and the other was a hung jury. It is intereing!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard anyone say they wanted to be on a jury! I was talking about this the other to a friend who got called for jury duty...she is dreading it!!! want to take her place?!! Lol!
ReplyDeleteHow cool to be ther watching that trial. ANd I love your perspective. I have always wanted to be be called for jury duty but has never happened. :o( Oh well, maybe someday. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on Winning. I've been called once but had to work and they actually believed me. I'm sure it would be interesting to be on the jury. I didn't know, though, that one can just sit and watch.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your hubby winning his case! Sounds like an interesting week! Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on his win! Real life is so much more exciting than fiction any day of the week!
ReplyDeleteI've never been chosen for a jury, either. The one time I came close, I had a conflict of interest that kept the attorneys from selecting me. (It was a woman who had been in a serious auto accident, and I had been in a similar one before.)
ReplyDeleteThat nixed me, I guess.
=)
Yeah for the win!! I love that you got to watch him in action for the whole time....
ReplyDeletewe dont have a jury system here but i see them in american movies. it's so nice you get to see your husband at work.
ReplyDelete:p
Congratulations on your husband's winning the case.
ReplyDeleteI am very fascinated by the goings-on inside a courtroom and love to read legal thrillers. :)
Congrats to your husband.
ReplyDeleteI have never watched a whole court case- but it sounds fascinating. I can imagine there is a lot to take in and lots of people watching to be done! :)
~Jess
Hey,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to your husband.
WOw! Sounds exciting.
Always,
Tarah and the City
I found being on a jury very sobering. I am analyical and like having a good debate. At the end of empassioned deliberation one jurer said to me, "You have persuaded me. I hope you're right!" I suddenly felt a big weight of responsibility.
ReplyDeleteYou are the only person I ever heard saying they can't wait to be called for jury duty! LOL! I hope your wish comes true. :)
ReplyDeletehugs
Caroline
I've never been on jury service or into a court when a trial is going on, it sounds fascinating but I would worry so much about making the right decision!
ReplyDeleteI have served on a couple of juries. About 30 years ago, a sat on a jury for a drug case.
ReplyDeleteThe recent one was a lady, who decided to take the kids at her horse camp out late one night. They rode in the bed of her pickup. She went into a closed park, did donuts and ended up killing one child and injuring several others.
Sure do not look forward to doing jury duty again. That last one was rough.
Big congrats to your man, is not easy at all..
ReplyDeleteHmm, I wish I would get called at least once in my life. I would love to serve!
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow lawyer I always wonder what lay people think about trials.
ReplyDeleteWhat an enlightening week you've had Annmarie - invaluable in all kinds of ways...
ReplyDeleteIt is so nice that you enjoyed court so much.. It would depend on what the trial was about, I think, whether I would want to go or not..
ReplyDeleteI usually hate jury duty but the last time I got on a case. It was very interesting and only lasted 2 days. It was medical too A lady was trying to get money from a girl for a car accident. The lady that was suing had a big deal lawyer, he was dressed fancy and had an asst. The girl who drove the car had a down to earth lawyer and seems like our next door neighbor. The lady suing lost. We all were not impressed with the fancy lawyer, the down to earth one was more believable. I would love to do it again, I liked when we came in - everyone had to stand - Have a great rest of the weekend!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great experience. I'm not sure I'd be able to concentrate for too long! Congrats to your husband on the win.
ReplyDeleteI think court is so interesting! That is so neat that you could watch your husband do his thing... and win!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that your husband won, he sounds like not only a smart man but full of wisdom too. I thoroughly enjoyed this post.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he won... and I too have had to pass up on jury duty EVERY TIME due to having young children. I would love to be on a jury one day too.
ReplyDeleteHi there. Congrats for your husband and I think I would find it interesting as well! Funny, I haven't been for one reason or another but wanted to.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to comment via my cell last night but couldn't on this site for some reason. I've been pretty ill and not sure what to do about my blog? Generally I post when my energy is up..(wasn't trying to space you out) hopefully I'll know more in a few weeks- wishing you a good Sunday-
I've always wondered what it's like in a real courtroom ... if it's like they show it in the movies.
ReplyDeleteGlad your husband won his case
I would love to be called too! i've never been called... neither my hubby, neither any one of hubby's relatives here :-O
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your husband won his case :)
Spanish Pinay
oh congrats!:) Kisses and have a nice sunday!!
ReplyDeleteHow cool to get to watch your husband at work. And a win, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Pura Vida follow..I am following you too. I usually follow Home Beautiful type blogs, but yours is different and very interesting. I have an online news site so from time to time I will cover a trial. They are incredible, even in a small town like mine. We don't have that many. I really connected with this post. Have a great Sunday
ReplyDeleteI agree with Glenda- how great to watch your hubs at work.
ReplyDelete"I was distracted watching them pay attention!" <-- That sounds like something that would happen to me! LOL... Great post. I've never been excited to serve jury duty, but you gave me something to think about. Congrats to your hubby and what a pleasure to watch him in action! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for finding me in the sea of blogs and for following me! I have been reading some of your posts and loving them! I bet you were so proud of your husband. I know what you mean about seeing him in a different light other than a husband and a dad. I am now following and will be back. I see a lot of other people like reading you too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your husband on the win. Something about the whole court thing scares me, what if I make a mistake on the jury and send someone innocent to jail. That would just be the worst. It is a duty and responsibility, but it is not one to be taken lightly. That being said, obviously not all cases are about criminals. I've been called to court three times. Once was by the Federal Courts. I was breastfeeding the infant at the time and was dismissed. One time i was dismissed because I was moving and wouldn't be there for the "reporting" date and another time I was dismissed from the jury because I had a cousin who had been arrested for drugs. I guess that automatically makes me sympathetic? idk
ReplyDeletehi dear!Thanks for stopping by me, I follow you too!
ReplyDeleteKeep in touch!
xoxo
Faby
Dear Ann Marie,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking this to B&BB. Sounds like a great time to observe people and your husband as well. And looking at the comments, Ann Marie, I think you might be top of the line with Christian bloggers in comments!
I’m writing this on a train from Budapest, Hungary to Zagreb, Croatia. I don’t have internet, but I opened up your blog post before the trip so I could read it while traveling. And I’ll paste my comment into a comment box when we arrive. So I’m reading your blog and thinking of you across the globe! I’m praying you have a blessed week.
Sounds so interesting! The court room has always been so intimidating to me... but then, my only court experience has been my divorce! Never been picked for jury duty... maybe someday!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience! It is exciting to learn about new things, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI am following you by the Mom's Monday Mingle. :0)
Enjoy your evening!
K
I think it would be fascinating to observe a trial - it just depends on what kind of case it was - I wouldn't want to be exposed to some of the graphic, gory details that surround a lot of cases. It's a huge responsibility being part of a jury - so often the general public feels they get it wrong.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. With such a great response to yours, how do you have the time to write and keep up with your family? I look forward to getting to know you through your writing.
ReplyDeleteI served on jury duty twice and while the trial was fascinating, serving was a financial hardship. I was a single parent of 4 at the time and worked two jobs. Neither job paid while I was on jury duty and jury duty pays such a small stipend. I could not even afford the baby sitter!
ReplyDeletemy hubby always has to testify in court (he's a cop), and he laughs when I ask he things like "did you object?" um, no, it's not like that. me "well, did you strenously object?" him - it's not like tv and the movies you know. LOL
ReplyDeleteYou learn something new everyday!
ReplyDeletemy little experience in courtrooms (as both an observer and a defendant) has shown how unlike TV it is
ReplyDeletehow cool that you got to sit in court and observe your hubby! i get called and never get put on a jury but my hubby always gets on a jury. i'm following you :)
ReplyDeletehttp://spinning-threads.blogspot.com
Wow, that's amazing to know. My sister is currently attending law school, I will have to ask her about this. I'm following you :)
ReplyDeletexx http://camomeetscouture.blogspot.com/
I never been to court like you. I could only see this type of scene in drama.
ReplyDeleteI've never been in court before for any purpose. I am scared with the thought of it...:(
ReplyDeletefollowing you back! :)
Jenn
The Pink Lemonade Girl
So interesting ....... we certainly live in a wonderful country, full of wonderful people. It's too bad that mostly you just hear of the not so wonderful ones......
ReplyDeleteWow..so cool! I've never been in a real court room. Love your blog. I'm a follower now :)
ReplyDeleteMe too..I want to be on a jury someday. In fact, I've always hoped it is an interesting case.
ReplyDeleteA courtroom type scene may be a good example of way to settle disputes between nations..rather than war!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI have jury duty tomorrow thanks for the encouragement. I've never heard anyone share something positive abt being in a court room lol
ReplyDeleteso so interesting, I'd love to be able to watch a trial.. I'd probably feel like in a movie :)
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting, never been called for jury duty.
ReplyDeleteI think I would enjoy jury duty... I have an aunt who has been called about 6 six times.
ReplyDeleteShe usually has really difficult cases that relate to drugs or murder and she usually cries at every single one. She told me she never votes for conviction as she thinks its too much of a responsability for her -
I have been called to real jury duty once and it was an assault with a deadly weapon case. I don't think the county prosecutors liked me because they let me go. I have participated in a mock trial for a research company and online as well. It is very complicated being a juror. Especially if you have a room full of jurors that cannot decide on how to vote. I found your blog via Finding New Friends Blog Hop. I am now following you. I hope you will return the favor. Have a great Memorial Day weekend!
ReplyDeletehttp://lovejoyjunction.blogspot.com/
It's a whole other world!!! Even the simplest cases are interesting!
ReplyDelete