I spent hours at the courthouse today. It was absolutely packed. We waited to hear our number called. Our number was a piece of white tape on our chest.
Meanwhile, we watched a video about using fair judgement while erasing any life experiences that might inform our decisions in an unfair way. They want us to be a clean slate, to listen before drawing conclusions.
We formed lines- single and multiple- long and short. Numbers were never called in order.
We climbed stairs in our non-linear designations.
The court organizers had a disagreement regarding lines just before we went into the courtroom. 67? 13? 3? Fingers were pointed.
We spent a lot of time around where we were supposed to stand and sit. We were 3 hours in before we got settled.
How can this many people be in legal procedures today? It’s like watching the screen for take-offs and landings with all the court times and names rolling by.
They said to turn off phones now as we walked into a florescent lit, stuffy, windowless room full of people not saying anything. Being a lawyer looks boring. Redundant. Oh, it’s a murder case. I started the day drinking tea early this morning and now I’m with a group of strangers who need to deal with a group decision about a possible murder. They said we must assume innocence. They being the defense.
The potential jurors were asked to introduce themselves with a “one-minute life sketch.” I thought that part was interesting.
How do you feel about guns? No one has ever asked me. At least not in a public forum.
I feel there would be a lot less dead people without guns. In fact we wouldn’t be gathered here without a gun involved.
One attorney said, you’ll be looking at dead bodies, is that too much? I mean, it’s a lot, I responded in my head. He implied sensitive people maybe can’t handle it. I would counter that with maybe justice needs a touch of sensitivity.
At lunch they said we can’t google, talk, inquire, or gossip about the case. At the crosswalk I was on the phone not doing any of that but I was describing the defense attorney’s general style and exactly at that moment, he himself walked up to also wait to cross the street so I changed the subject.
I noticed during the whole experience people were generally polite, respectful, and patient. Also there was some difference of opinions about guns, self-defense, law enforcement, lying, but still more agreement than not.
The best part was watching people asked direct questions in a public forum and listen to their answers. We were a totally random group, thrown together. There must have been 75, maybe close to 100 of us. When in these situations I sometimes wonder what if we had to respond to an emergency? Who would lead? What alliances would shape? I had no idea.
Anyway, I am not on the jury. Finally by late afternoon, about 30 of us remaining left. They had their jury and 2 alternates. I hope they make good decisions.
