before reading, catch up with my Dallas County Jury Duty saga here…
Dallas County Jury Duty Part One
Dallas County Jury Duty Part Two
Dallas County Jury Duty Part Three
Being fair and impartial is a difficult thing, even for the fair and impartial.
As I walked into the courtroom, the defendant was easily identifiable. He sat next to his attorney in the serious suit. White, about my age, he could have been a friend at our last neighborhood porch party.
My first thought…I wonder what he did?
My first thought should have been…I wonder what he is accused of doing?
I carry my history and experience with me. I reminded myself to set that aside and listen before judging. I reminded myself he was innocent until proven otherwise.
Before the trial began, jurors talked. Overly Eager juror had already made my head spin. When she took a bathroom break, Lucille Ball took her place. “Well I can’t believe he was indicted in 2009 and is just now getting his trial!
“I thought everyone was entitled to a speedy trial?”
“That’s not speedy.”
“That poor man…”
I found it difficult to take her seriously in the pink and black polka-dot cat glasses.
“I think the State is stalking him. They don’t really have anything on him. If they did, they would have gone to trial sooner.” She continued.
I looked for a hidden camera. Maybe this was not a trial at all. Maybe we were on a reality television show.
I hoped my dark roots weren’t showing.
I stared at the red button on the wall used to summon the bailiff. Should I push it? Should I summon the bailiff and confess Overly Eager knows the Judge and Lucy already feels sorry for the defendant?
stay tuned for Dallas County jury duty saga part five…
talya
I think it would be hard not to form early opinions because that’s what we humans do.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
I agree.
LOL oh my…you had me at those flashy glasses!! I have been called for jury duty many times but was never picked to serve on a jury. I think it would be awful hard not to decide that the person who was on trial wasn’t guilty. Obviously they must of did “something” to be singled out and be there in the first place!! Maybe they were framed.
Kathy
http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com
lol…”Innocent until proven otherwise” is the precept set for our judicial system…or at least I thought it was.=)
I just knew there was more coming! Good job not forming any opinions!
You made me laugh again! Love your hidden camera/roots bit.