Sorry to be so behind on this one but I’ve finally found the time…
We got back from lunch at one and were all called up to our courtroom at 1:30. The judge introduced everyone and we learned that the case involved conspiracy and armed (shotgun) robbery. The judge asked us all some preliminary questions such as if any of us knew any of the involved parties. After that we were given the chance to elaborate on any reasons why we felt we couldn’t serve. I reiterated my need to attend a memorial service the next morning. Another person told the judge that it was his first week of college and didn’t want to miss any more classes.
Both the defense and prosecuting attorneys then each had 30 minutes to question us further. The prosecution focused on the concepts of circumstantial evidence and reasonable doubt. The defense focused on the defendant’s right not to testify, never mentioning the fact that this is more commonly known as the Fifth Amendment. In the end, several prospective jurors flat out stated, even when questioned by the judge, that if the defendant did not testify they would hold it against him, even though the judge would instruct them not to do so.
We were then all asked to leave the courtroom for a “15 minute break”. One hour later we were let back in.
The judge then red off a list of names of those who could be excused from service. This list included everyone who didn’t agree with the fifth amendment and a few others. This list did not include me.
That finished, the judge had to “make a list of the names of those who are left.” After a few minutes, the judge looked up and asked if either of the attorneys would have any objections to him excusing juror #36; me. Neither did and I was excused.
The short version of this day: I got there at 7:30am and was finally excused at 4:30pm. It was interesting and educational and I would have been happy to serve had circumstances been different.
