WEBmikey: We the jury

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We the jury
2.12.2007 9:59 PM \| Link	Today I had to report downtown for jury duty, and it was an interesting experience, though I'm really glad it was so short! Of course, I had to battle traffic on a foggy, wet morning, but I snagged a good parking spot, even though I was there an hour early (which meant plenty of games on my Palm). After everyone arrived, we went though the jury selection process with both sides of the case, and this is when we found out it was a simple traffic case - speeding at 45 MPH in a 40 MPH zone (gasp!). Finally they chose six of us, and I was kind of glad to be picked so I could see what it was like, since the case wasn't anything I would lose sleep over. The defendant represented himself, which didn't seem easy, and that made the simple facts take a little longer to describe, but eventually we were able to go to our jury room to decide. However, it took quite a long time to get everyone to agree! One older woman let her emotions get in the way, and one other guy was all philosophical with the moral dilemma of deciding, but eventually the fact that we were stuck there until we agreed turned them around. They gave us certificates of appreciation and the day was over, but it was definitely eye-opening to think about that same scenario going on over and over again all across the country. It's strange to me to think that random people would actually get to decide this guy's "fate" (even though it was just a fine), since every one of us are guilty of the same crime of speeding, but that's the way the system works. So, I was glad to take a closer look and be a part of it! Labels: life


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