The last two days I’ve had jury duty. In our state, there is a one day or one trial jury process. If the first day you are not put in a courtroom for jury selection, you are finished with your service. I was chosen to go through the jury selection process; this process took two days. It was so very fascinating. I wrote about it here. There was something so amazing about being a mostly anonymous community member (we were called by numbers in the courtroom, never our names), gathered together for only one purpose–to provide a fair trial for one of our peers. We weren’t supposed to use our phones in the courtroom, so I was texting my husband on a break:
I thought he might read that last comment sarcastically. But I truly meant it–“I love sitting here with all my peers waiting…”
Not that it wasn’t boring, but it was satisfying to be a significant part of providing justice. Bonus: I did have a chance to read about 20% of my really long book, The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers in the many breaks we were given. For me, jury duty only lasted two days, for the jury was confirmed by the end of the second day, and the rest of us were excused, while they will continue with a three-week trial.
I think inserting your phone screenshot adds to this piece, and I think that’s a good example to show new slicers! And I’m with you in regards to respecting the jury process.
“satisfying to be a significant part of providing justice” – so true, so important. I love that you included the texts with your husband – and I love his “good question” comment. Communities are bettered by jury participation; such an important part of a healthy democracy, I think. Here’s to March writing, together!
So glad to be back and slicing again; glad you are on this journey again! Being a part of something bigger than ourselves is an important experience. You convey that importance here.
Denise, I wrote about the jury duty on your yesterday’s post, so let me move on to The Love Songs of W.E.B. DuBois. I went back in my journal to read what I’d written about that amazing novel, a debut(!) by Jeffers. I reread Dubois because I was so moved by her deft interweaving. I loved Uncle Root (great name) and felt like Chickasetta had to be real. Ailey’s the academic who pursues the heart of the family story. What a gem of a book. Thanks for taking me back into a journal I’d shelved and a book I needed to revisit.
Great to see you here again, Denise! I look forward to reading your posts 🙂
I love your outlook on jury duty! I completely agree. I’ve never been selected but I would love to witness the process, have a front row seat to our justice system. Very cool!
Denise,
I’ve only been called for just once. It was a horrific murder trial, and several colleagues were called, too. I didn’t get seated, but I’ve always thought jury duty is so important to making our system work. Also, that texting screenshot is so similar to the ones I have w/ Ken. His responses are short. And I’ve had that book on my TBR. Not sure when I’ll get to it. I want to read the King book ASAP,
Hey, I’m glad I’m not the only one! I text Kyle paragraphs of text, and he responds with 3-5 words LOL. Anyway, I was summoned twice but dismissed each time. I thought it was fascinating. The second time I made it as far as hearing the case, being excused for lunch, returning for more questions…but I was sent home. Neat experience though.
You captured a true slice of your day. Getting dropped off early. Waiting. Reading. Being a good peer. Supporting the legal system in our counrty.
There is nothing like an exchanged text message to give a true glimpse of a moment – and I love that you shared the screen shot of this. It’s interesting that so many people don’t want to serve on a jury. I have never once been called to serve, and I’d love the experience. Thank you for sharing this process. I’m glad you enjoyed sitting there with those around you and found time to read.
I had jury duty in December. I agree it is interesting and important. My service was short… I would not want to try to get out of it, but I would be nervous to be involved in some difficult trials. Here it was interesting , too, because we have a huge new justice center and it was my first time seeing it. Im going to look for the book you were reading.