I've been in jury duty for the past two weeks and it is beginning to take its' toll. When I was first selected to sit on a jury panel I was at once shocked and excited. Shocked that I had actually been chosen (I am self-employed!) and excited to see, up-close, how our legal system works. When I heard what the criminal case was, I was sickened, but like the judge said to me, "Sometimes we have to do the hard work." So, I dug in and decided to give it my best shot. Yesterday, we started deliberations on all three counts. Our "team" of twelve agreed on count one and two and now we are stuck - muddled down in semantics and people's own personal emotions. I see no way out and I'm beginning to worry this could take more time than any of us bargained for. I feel a bit lost at sea, and hoping that we are able to wrap this up soon and go back to our regular, old, boring lives. More to come....
9 comments:
Rest assured that sometimes coming to the right decision takes time. You are there to find an outcome for the victim which in some cases is no longer able to speak for themselves...
Trust your good judgment.
Susan
I keep a list of quotes which resonate with me and the one which I thought best fit the circumstance in which you find yourself at the moment is a quote that I actually have on the signature of my email and it is by your president, Barrack Obama "We are the change that we seek". Be strong Kaari - what you are doing is important and worth the struggle.
I hope that everything with the case is resolved soon. I was called once, but I got to the court house and they had already resolved the problem. My ex-finance, on the other hand, got stuck on a jury for six months. He wasn't a happy camper.
I have just finished two weeks on jury service. What I heard sickened me and heard and learnt things about life I would never thought I would. Having trouble getting the face of the evil man out of my head. Fortunately all 12 jurors were unanimous on all 11 charges. Hope it ends for you soon
I have been on a few juries, one of which ended in a situation where only one person thought the accused was innocent "because he looks like such a nice man"'. That was one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. I hope you all find a better resolution.
I have been on a few juries - it is hard but important work. Thanks for serving!
Kaari, a comment from downunder where the jury system also works. A friend with all others on a jury knew without a doubt that the person was guilty but there was a legal technicality so he went free. Anger, raw emotions from a group which you get to know. Know you have the inner strength to stand for your principles & justice for ALL.
Keep on.
A few years back I served on the Grand Jury - every Friday for two months - where we decided if there was enough evidence to send cases to trial. It is indeed compelling to see our system in action. It is also heart-wrenching to see what humans are capable of. I look back on the experience with very mixed emotions as I imagine you will as well. It's hard to shake certain images from your mind - I know. Hang in there and know that at least we have system in place - however flawed it sometimes feels. I think of those countries where they simply throw away the key.
I served on a Federal Grand Jury for a year. During this time, my mother was battling lung cancer, my wages were garnished because I was paid a stipend plus gas since it was a 200 mile round trip, and I was teaching with lesson plans, etc. A mess... but I learned a lot.
Good Luck!!
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