Sunday, October 14, 2012
I Hope I Am On A Jury Tomorrow
We are meeting at the courthouse at 8:15 am. My first time! I asked my attorney husband what is the best way for me to optimize my chances of get selected to sit on a jury? He explained there are 8 courtrooms and each will need 14 jours (2 alternative have to listen to all the testimony in case something happens to one of the 12 jurors). There will probably be 300 potential jurors to start the process called jury selection, which will ultimately end up with 120 jurors selected to serve. He said what most lawyers do NOT want on a jury is a person who can monopolize deliberations. The system is designed for 12 individuals to form their own opinions based on all the evidence, then come together for a consensus. A leader with a big mouth might be able to sway someone's opinion. He told me to answer all the questions honestly and completely but otherwise not talk too much. I hope to be able to see with my own eyes how different people, hearing the same facts come up with either the same or different conclusions. I do not have any expectations of how this will go. Have you ever been on a jury?
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Let us know if you are selected. That is interesting advice from your hubby, by the way.
ReplyDeleteNope, never have. Wonder if my big mouth had anything to do with it?
ReplyDeleteI have served on a federal jury and a county jury. Both very interesting experiences. Most people don't want to serve on a jury so it is refreshing for me to read this post. I hope you get selected.
ReplyDeleteI've never even had to go down for selection (watch...I will now), but I suspect that I am WAY too opinionated for them to choose me (aka: Big mouth!). Good luck to you, though!
ReplyDeleteI had to go once, but did not get selected. I was a legal secretary at the time and wanted to be selected.
ReplyDeleteI was called to be on a grand jury investigating the mob in Philadelphia. This is an 18 month commitment. The selection is different and people are chosen by their seat number. Your fate for the next year and a half all has to do with how you lined up. I was fortunate to pick a seat whose number was not called. I considered myself very lucky because the pool of people for this was small. I really didn't want to have anything to do with this jury as I had seen The Godfather and waking up with a horse's head in my bed definitely would have ruined my day.
ReplyDeleteYes, I served on a jury for a week. Everybody was swayed by a very politically correct person. I did speak out my opinion. We ended up with a mistrial, I am sorry to say. The defendant should have been convicted, but the pc person stood her ground, much to the dismay of the rest of us. Good luck. It was quite an experience.
ReplyDeleteI have been on several juries, and amm sorry to say that on all but one my experience was that the average jurer is a dope.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of what the judge tells them they had preconcieved ideas of the law and judged based on thede ideas.
One jurer insisted that if someone is hurt, the property owner is automatically responsible regardless of the circumstances.
Hmmm this may be a future post.
Very few jury trials in Australia - mostly State Court judges sitting alone (for initial hearing - 2 or 3 for appeal hearings) but by far the most common are Court magistrates.
ReplyDeleteJudges are appointed by the executive government, without intervention by the existing judiciary. Once appointed, judges have tenure and there are restrictions on their removal from office. For example, a federal judge may not be removed from office except by the Governor-General upon an address of both Houses of Parliament for proved misbehaviour.
The State Magistrates in Australia derive from the English Magistrates. All Magistrates are salaried officers, and must be legally qualified and experienced to be eligible to be appointed.
The jurisdiction of the magistrates varies from state to state. They preside over courts which are, depending on the state, called Magistrates’ Courts, Local Courts or Courts of Petty Sessions.
Magistrates hear bail applications, motor licensing applications, applications for orders restraining a given individual from approaching a specific person (“intervention orders” or “apprehended violence orders”), summary criminal matters, the least serious indictable criminal matters, and civil matters where the disputed amount does not exceed A$40,000 to A$100,000 (depending on the State).
A Federal Magistrate occupies an office created in 1999. The Federal Magistrates' Court of Australia deals with more minor Commonwealth law matters which had previously been heard by the Federal Court (administrative law, bankruptcy, consumer protection, trade practices, human rights and copyright) or the Family Court (divorce, residence (or custody) and contact (or access) of the children, property division upon divorce, maintenance and child support). The court's name is misleading, in that it exercises a jurisdiction well in excess of that of the state magistrates' courts, and similar to that of the District and County courts of the Australian states.
The Federal and Family Courts continue, but the Federal Magistrates hear shorter or less complex matters or matters in which the monetary sum in disputes does not exceed given amounts. For instance property divisions where the total assets are A$700,000 or less and consumer law matters (trade practices) where the amount claimed is less than $750,000. However, in some areas, such as bankruptcy and copyright, the court has unlimited jurisdiction.
It is possible for a defendant, in certain circumstances, to 'elect' for a trial by jury. This can be a mistake as research has shown that magistrates and judges get it right more often than juries and many jury trials result in mistrials.
Uma chuva de bençãos desça sobre sua casa!
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I have never even had jury duty boo! I would love to do my civil duty at least once in my life.
ReplyDeleteI have not... but it sounds so interesting to be part of! Looking forward to hearing if you are chosen! :)
ReplyDeleteI have not been on a jury or called. Good luck. Let us know.
ReplyDeleteI was called twice. The first time I had a week old baby. I was excused. That was 45 years ago. The second time I had live in grandchildren who had to be put on the bus at the exact time I was to appear. I was excused. That was ten years ago. Maybe next time...
ReplyDeleteCalled and not chosen in the city. Called and served here in the county once. I found it interesting to serve and felt it was my duty to do so.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I do!! I got chosen once and the judge ended up dismissing that case...the first one he'd ever dismissed in all his 40 years on the bench!
ReplyDeleteI have been called for jury duty twice. Here they get about 100 people to select from. Before they called my name they had enough for the jury. The other time the guy changed his mind and asked for a trial with a judge alone.
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a jury but I'd like to be. Enjoy the process.
ReplyDeleteI was never selected from the pool. I found the day long, boring and a disappointing view of the entire process. It 'ain't' like TV.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get selected. I have been called for jury but was never selected to actually sit on a jury. Last time I was summed to jury duty, I was able to have my service delayed for at least 18 months since I have to take my son to school and pick him up every day. Even though he is a teenager, that counted as "full time care taker of a minor" because we live a long way from his school and there is no bus service - thus no alternate way for him to get to and from school. Maybe someday, when I am an empty nester, I will be able to actually be on a jury.
ReplyDeleteI just had a jury summons a month ago, but I was not called to come in. Many years ago, I got as far as the juror selection process, but we had a potential juror (an older woman) who started asking questions. We were declared "tainted" because of it, and they let us all go. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI must say you are the only person I know who wants to get jury duty...lol. Good Luck :)
ReplyDeleteha you should be sure to watch 12 angry men first...smiles...have served before but was never selected....
ReplyDeleteIf selected, you will have a chance to give your honest opinion to help the justice to be done.
ReplyDeleteIt's a challenge and commitment.
Good luck!
I've never been called. My 96 tear old aunt was called last week though. She wasn't very happy about it but seeing as she is almost completely deaf I don't think she needs to worry. Looking forward to reading about your experience!
ReplyDeleteI just got my first summons and I hope I get to go!! I have always wanted to be on a jury... the downside -- if I get to go, it is on Halloween!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting - I would love to be on jury duty. It also depends on whether it is a male or female being committed, some men dont like women on the jury and visa versa. I hope you get picked too I want to hear all about it (well the things you can say anyway without breaching any confidentiality!)
ReplyDeleteI have been registered to vote since I was old enough to vote (and that's a LONG time!), but have never been called for jury duty. My husband was called for jury duty within a year of becoming a US citizen and registering to vote. Go figure!
ReplyDeleteDang, I must have been one with a big mouth! I was so close but then dismissed! I had that guy pegged he was guilty, guilty, guilty but they had to waste the tax payers money and go through the trial....guess what, I was right! A few months later it was in the paper and the guy was guilty....Oh well, I think I'm too opinionated HA!!
ReplyDeleteNow I know the secret of keeping mum...maybe next time!
Good luck, I hope you get called!!
Good Luck Annmarie! I must say, I've never known anyone to be so anxious to be selected to a jury trial! LOL
ReplyDeleteThe closest I've ever been to sitting on a jury... last year I was selected, then we were called into another room and it was announced... "they have achieved a plea bargain, you are dismissed." We never knew what the case was about... we never entered the courtroom... we never heard a moment of testimony... I guess the defendant got cold feet and "copped a plea"... Now I don't have to serve for two more years... our justice system at it's finest!
have fun and take a good book! Dixie
I've been called at least 6 times from 3 different states. I got to the actual jury selection only once however. As soon as they asked my occupation (Hospital administration where I worked for an attorney), I was summarily excused. That's as close as I ever got to actually sitting on a jury. According to a couple of attorneys I know, generally neither side wants the jurors to be overly smart or an independent thinker....they want people who might be easily swayed!
ReplyDeleteI think you probably won't be selected....
Take a good book and pack a lunch!! I was called about 10 years ago, got selected for a jury and then when the lawyers began to question us one by one.....the big question was "do you have any police men in your family or do you know any?"......I was #6 in the row and we all had answered 'yes' so far...that was it, the guy took a plea bargain!!! Guess we scared him off....he had hit a police car and a police man while drunk.....our tax dollars at work!!!
ReplyDeleteI just got summoned again for December this year....
Have served more times than I can count, it's a necessary process that most try to avoid, but it is worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteFor a laugh they say "Just think if you go to trial you are putting yourself into the hands of twelve people who were not smart enough to get out of jury duty"
The last time I was called, I was selected AND selected as the foreperson. I was shocked at the willingness of folks to vote a quick 'guilty' when there was obviously reasonable doubt. It took a while, but they finally came around. The defendant was in all probability guilty, but the evidence wasn't there. The judge met with us afterwards and declared that our 'not guilty' verdict was the correct one. It was an experience.
ReplyDeleteNancy
I'm not a citizen, so I can't do it. But I think it really depends on a kind of trial. With some criminals (like pedophiles etc.) it would be hard for me to stay impartial.Otherwise, it would be a an interesting experience! Let us know if you are chosen!
ReplyDeleteI was randomly selected for jury service three times and never even went through jury selection and never ended up on a jury this was about thirty years ago.
ReplyDeleteAnnmarie, Twice I had an opportunity to serve on a jury. One was on a lawsuit by a claimaint who'd been hurt and suffered property damage in an accident. When questioned about my job in retail asset protection as it related to safety, I told them that my operation had helped defend the company many times against lawsuits but that I felt that I could arrive at an honest and impartial verdict. I wasn't chosen... Another time it was a gang related murder trial and when asked by the defense attorney if I'd had any issues with alleged gang crimes, I told them the truth...one of my staffers had been shot dead at close range by a 15 year old gang banger. Needless to say, the defense attorney's decided that they didn't want me on the jury. Since I've retired...no opportunities to serve on a jury. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
ReplyDeleteI hope it works out, dear Annmarie...let us know!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
- Irina
(Big thanks for stopping by :)
I've been called for jury duty three times already so far.
ReplyDelete1st duty-I was so close of being selected but I spoke to the judge and the lawyers and requested that I be excused for the reason work related reason.
2nd duty-it was the middle of the week and the following week was a long holiday. Almost everyone in the waiting area was excused.
3rd duty-this was a few months ago. I was selected as 1st alternate jury. I wasn't too thrilled since I already mentioned to the lawyers that I had an out of the country vacation in a few weeks. Luckily, the case was settled even before the it started.
What would be my next jury duty be like...
I've never been on a jury. I've never even been called.
ReplyDeleteI've never been on a jury, but I think it's awesome that you want to be picked. Just stopping by to tell you thanks for following me and for leaving me a sweet comment. I am happily following you back. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Nici
Saying prayers for you.
ReplyDeleteI have never been on a jury before but my cousin has...he said it was really draining and hard work. In the UK you don't go and apply to be on a jury though you are selected by the government for jury duty. If you are selected then you have to attend...hospitalization is the only way not to do your part.
ReplyDeleteGood luck to you.
I've never been on a jury but I love watching movies/TV shows about lawyers and trial cases. Would love to hear about your experience
ReplyDeleteNope, I've been on standby a couple of times but have never been called.
ReplyDeleteIf you vote every time, you will be called on a fairly regular basis (at least where I live). I've been called 6 times while some of my family members have never been called at all. Out of those times, I have served once. I didn't think the man deserved the conviction, but based on the wording of the law...he was guilty and found so. I'm still not sure that I am 100% in agreement with it. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog last night! I'm your newest follower.
I have been called up twice and each time I have been 'excused' because I was nine months pregnant. I guess they didn't fancy stopping the trial while I gave birth! These days I work in a detention centre, so tend to see a lot of the other side of the law! xxx
ReplyDeleteNever been called but I do know how to get OUT of it!!
ReplyDeleteLove Di ♥
Good luck getting on the jury! I've never been on one but hubby is addicted to Court TV. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteI served on a grand jury once. We met once a week for six weeks I think. It was a good learning experience for me in how it works with cases getting to trial, etc.
ReplyDeleteI was on a jury for a week about a year ago. It was really fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI was a trial lawyer. Don't take it personally if you don't get picked. The lawyers have reasons for wanting certain types on their juries!
ReplyDeleteI've been on a jury twice. I didn't find it as interesting as I'd hoped mainly because the cases were trivial and rather sad. This surprised me. I thought only big cases went for trial by jury but it seems not. Maybe it's different where you are. Good luck anyhow!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to be on one, but every time I get a jury selection my current employer (whoever they may be) needs me more than the jury does. I actually received 2 jury summons when I was serving a church mission in a different state--would have loved to serve, but it's kind of hard to go when you're not even living in the state or county for which you're called to do jury duty.
ReplyDeleteMaybe someday I'll get to do it...
I have been on many juries. I don't know why but it seems that everywhere we live I get summoned and once summoned I get chosen. I must fit some sort of profile I guess. I don't usually mind as it is fascinating. The very first time was a rape trial. The accused had an interesting job. He was a celebrity look-alike for Mr. T! It went 0n for a week and we were all sequestered the last night at a hotel as we were still deliberating.
ReplyDeleteI hope you are chosen. It was amazing to watch all the people who didn't want to be on a jury. They had some pitiful excuses sometimes. I remember one drug trial and the lady thought they should let her out of jury duty because she had teen-agers and she didn't like drugs. OK? Hmmmm....
oh my gosh, i sooo want to be on a jury! but i'm not sure that working for a victim services agency would be what the defense would like in a juror, lol.
ReplyDeleteYes, and I loved it. It lasted one week.
ReplyDeleteHello! Thank you for following my blog! I am following yours as well. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteShannon
Good for you and your love of civic duty!
ReplyDeleteMe? I'm a miserable failure that will cite some sort of bias to avoid it like the plague.
Signed, Bad, Shameful Marianne
I was called to do it a few times, but had it delayed and never even showed up. To tell the truth I would be petrified, and have no desire ever to be on one.
ReplyDeletegood luck - if that is what you want :)
Never--my husband DREAMS of getting to one day though.
ReplyDeleteWas called once, I was dismissed for lack of a case! Not all that much going on in the local court that week, good thing I guess...
ReplyDeleteNever have. But I think I would love it!
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best!! Hope that you get selected!
ReplyDeletexoxo
www.girlinsunglasses.com
commendable that you would want this duty...most people try very hard to get out of it..I think it would be incredibly interesting!
ReplyDeleteso cool that you actually want to be on a jury. A lot of people seem to want the opposite. :)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
My husband served last year. He was only on for a day though. He did enjoy it very much. He said it was quite an experience! Hope you get selected!
ReplyDeleteive never been called for jury duty but i know people who have. You have to do it unless you have a pretty good reason for not! Very cool though, i'd love it!!
ReplyDeletethanks for linking up with the aloha friday blog hop, have a great week and hope you'll join us again next friday :
ReplyDeleteI would have a difficult time not talking about it... Thankfully for the victim I am fortunate that I have a physical condition that lets me get off jury duty.
ReplyDeleteI have never been on a jury- but have had jury duty many times. Always end up knowing someone (a lawyer or someone who works for the company involved in the case). If you get selected I bet it will be interesting to find out what happens behind closed doors!
ReplyDeleteI'm not a citizen, so I can't be on a jury. But I would find it to be very interesting!
ReplyDeleteHope you get called and it's an interesting experience for you!
Never been called. Keep us posted!
ReplyDeleteI have never been called either, but so curious about how it all works!
ReplyDelete-Bridgette
bridgettenicole.blogspot.com
Oh, I think I would like to do a jury duty. I hear about people who are so glad to not be selected. I wonder what I would be feeling like if it were actually my turn.
ReplyDeleteI've never served on a diary. Many years ago, I was selected on two occasions but opted out (using my job as an excuse). Sorry I did opt out now as I've never been asked since.
ReplyDeleteI went through the jury selection process but got excused. The judge didn't like my quick thinking. We were told the prosecutor and the defense attorney would be taking notes on our responses.I saw some things that bothered me about the process.
ReplyDeleteI have been called for jury duty twice, but did not have to go in for any trials. I live in a small town, so I guess there is not a lot of trials.
ReplyDeleteI never get picked but my sister has and loved it.
ReplyDeleteI was selected for a jury on two different occasions. The first time, we came to a unanimous decision that the defendant was guilty of brandishing a firearm. The second time, after a full morning of being seated in the jury box (the jury was finally all set), we were told we could adjourn for lunch. When we came back, the judge said we could go home. The defendant must have agreed to a plea bargain, so we jurors were not needed and it was over.
ReplyDeleteYou and I both had jury summons for the same Monday, it seems. The funny thing is, I did NOT want to be selected, and you did. I thank the LORD that I was not.
ReplyDelete:) Hope
I was called once and it was a most terrible experience. I have no wish to ever be called again.
ReplyDelete" welcome :)
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