I have to report for jury duty tomorrow. HAs anybody done this?

[hammerfan]

Reporting for jury duty tomorrow. Ive anyways dodged the bullet, but this time looks like I cant get out of it. I know its a civic duty and all, but I have to admit I'm not looking forward to deciding someone's fate with 11 strangers. Any recommendations?

[tv horror]

For goodness sake don't be like Stan Laurel and shout out "Aint you gonna hang em!" . Serously I have heard that the most important thing to remember is not to yawn, I've also heard about judges going though the jury because of it so good luck. 

[poseablemonster]

I remember it being pretty boring, I think the trial lasted for a week.

[Toy Ranch]

Here they have a pool of people they call down to sit in a room and then they pick from the pool for juries.  Every time I've been picked for the pool (knock on wood), I've ended up getting to go home with out having to serve on a jury.  I guess it would be interesting, but I'd rather not have to do that.  Good luck!

[Elizabeth]

Hammerfan, I believe you are in the Chicago area?

It's pretty easy in DuPage County.  Very nice court building with a cafeteria in it.

In Cook County it's a little more interesting-- depending on whether you have been called to the County Building downtown, or to 26th and California for criminal court. 

The downtown building can be very nice, if it's a pretty day.  When you get a lunch break, go outside and enjoy the city and walk around a bit.  There is a lovely plaza there with a fountain, and places nearby where you can get lunch.  I'd take public transportation to get there.

26th and California-- I would drive, use secured parking and probably bring my own lunch.

Above all-- TAKE SOMETHING TO READ AND/OR DO-- a book, magazines, etc.  You may just be sitting, if you don't actually get called for a jury.  Leave anything that could be construed as a weapon at home-- such as a pocket knife.

It's really not bad.  You may not end up on a jury-- you may just sit there in the pool of potential jurors.  And even if you get pulled to be in a jury, you might not make the cut after the lawyers talk to you.

Don't worry about getting along with other folks-- everyone there feels the same: awkward about the situation, and eager to have it done as quickly as possible.

But it *is* important.  Think what kind of folks you'd want on a jury if you ever needed one to overview a case that involved your interests.

[hammerfan]

Actually I am McHenry Co. so it'll likely be a trial for illegal cow tipping. LOL

[ChattyLMS]

Here they have a pool of people they call down to sit in a room and then they pick from the pool for juries.  Every time I've been picked for the pool (knock on wood), I've ended up getting to go home with out having to serve on a jury.  I guess it would be interesting, but I'd rather not have to do that.  Good luck!

We have the same system here, too.  I got picked.  It was a trial for assault.  The guy who did it was an idiot and was of course found guilty.  Anyway, think about how you would like the jurors to treat you.  Think open-mindly be honest, voice your opinion to the rest of the jury.  Good luck.

What happens if you yawn?  Do you go to jail?

[Gasport]

Tell them you should be disqualified because you can read minds.

[Anton Phibes]

I had to go twice, and both times they settled just before trial and the jury was sent home.

[Elizabeth]

Actually I am McHenry Co. so it'll likely be a trial for illegal cow tipping. LOL

Yep... bring something interesting to read/do.

And sheesh -- you so do not get any sympathy now.

[hammerfan]

Hey, Mchenry rocks!  We have the state cow pie flinger record here I'll have you know.

[Fester]

When I lived in Dane County, WI (Madison) Cow tipping was mandatory.

Seriously.  Take a good book.  Most of the time spent is sitting around doing nothing.  If you are uncomfortable with maintaining your objectivity, let the judge and lawyers know up front.  They don't want a mistrial.

When I lived near Berkeley, I got called to be on a jury in Contra Costa County.  The trial was for a guy who had several DUIs and was demanding a jury trial for his latest one (he was looking at serious jail time if convicted). 

I was not comfortable with the case:  When I was about 12 my little brother was hit by a drunk driver (at 3:30 in the afternoon!) and was in a coma for three months.  He had serious brain damage and was crippled for life.  When asked, I told the Judge about my reservations and he, the DA and the defense attorney thanked me and sent me back to the pool.

I was called to another courtroom later in the day where I objectively helped put someone in jail for assault.

[coughcool]

A few years ago I had Jury Duty an made the cut. The trial lasted about 3 days. Just so happen I sent my questionnaire in for another round of possible jury duty again.

[BaronLatos35]

Take a book and get comfortable. Its usually a long day of just waiting.

[Scary Terry]

A good buddy of mine met his wife while serving jury duty....