First Experience at Jury Duty

This has been one of those weeks UGH!

I started Jury Duty this week. So far I've only had to report Monday. Very interesting process I must say. I know it is very important but it seems like a lot of wasted time. To be able to get a parking space suitable for my handicapped self I had to be there over an hour early. Then I got into line 15 minutes before the door open to ensure I heard all the instructions. We got to go through the metal detectors. This was the first time I had been through a metal detector since I started using a cane. Wasn't a problem:) Me being me stopped by the first rest room I came across before going into the assigned court room (which I was so glad I did later). No one is giving instructions at first. Some of the jurors a head of me were just going in and sitting down. That did not make sense to me so I asked. Yep that was wrong. We were suppose to be going to the front of the court room to get checked in. Yeah me for being smart enough to ask:) After checking in the waiting game began--ooh and the bailiff in charge of the jury came (I was part of the early group) and she took over!! She gave instruction on the proper way to get checked in. She was very stern, at first she seemed kind of bitchy but she was just trying to get control of the situation.

It took forever to get everyone checked in (25 groups)! Especially since not everyone followed directions very well. I was one of the first to get checked in so I ended up sitting in a bad spot for someone with my medical problem. All the way on the inside of a pew...that was so dumb of me but in my defence I did not realize I would be pushed down like that when I originally sat down. I brought a book with me, that was smart of me. When I wasn't reading, I was being friendly with the people around me. Definitely some interesting people. All types of people from all walks of life.

Once everyone was checked in we got to watch a film from the eighties on the jury process. Then the presiding judge came to talk to us about the case and what the selection process would en tel. The FINALLY a bathroom break!! 100 women all trying to get into 4 stalls yeah that was fun....reminded me of being at the fair waiting to go to the port-a-potty. I say that because I the privilege of using a stall behind a nasty inconsiderate bitch that peed all over the seat and the floor!! OMG I hate that sooo bad!! I understand not wanting to get germs from the toilet but wtf I don't want yours either!! ewe

Back to the waiting again. We had to wait for the team lawyers to come in and get situated. Then the rounds of disqualifying question came. Over half the jury had to go up to speak to the Judge and the lawyers to see if they would be requested from this trail. Process took forever!! Finally clerk starts to call random names 1 seat at a time until there are 12 jurors seated. Then the lawyers get to challenge the jurors chosen, More waiting....needless to say I was not picked. After about an hour of challenging the jury and alternate jury members were set and everyone else was dismissed:)  With the finally instructions to call after 5pm for instructions for the next day......