Yes, I said 20 days!
This is all my company's fault for agreeing to pay their employees for this many days of service but that's not my point. In order to be excused I explained to the judge that I was closing on a house, had two work projects to complete by 6/1 and couldn't afford to be away from any of these things for 20 days. Can you guess what happened next:
Judge: Your company pays 20 days?
Me: Yes
Judge: * moves on to next subject *
Me: * FUMES *
Before I arrived for Jury duty, I was advised by everyone around me to lie to get out of service in every way possible. There was everything from don't say "here" when they call you for a panel to just say "I don't believe in the Constitution" when you get to court. None of these things were feasible to me because I find it impossible to lie once I raise my hand and swear to tell the truth in a court of law. So I told the truth and now ... I.am.in.HELL!!
For the past week and a half I've had a front row seat to the judicial system and life in the LA County Courthouse. Let me be the first to tell you, the picture isn't pretty! You see, I'm on a civil case. A case that's in court because two rich, unreasonable people could not manage to settle their differences through conversation like adults. No. Instead they chose to waste tons of money on legal fees, expert witnesses, LA County Court time and - most of all - MY TIME with their frankly frivolous dispute! *taking deep breath*
On top of that, the quality of the jurors is appalling. The guy next to me leaned over during testimony and asked me what "sustained" means! Another juror had no idea what it meant when an attorney agreed to "stipulate" a point of fact. *sigh*
I don't really have anything meaningful to say here. I only advise you to do all you can to stay out of the court system for any reason other than being paid to litigate. And should you have the misfortune to wind up before a Jury of your "peers" ... PRAY VERY, VERY HARD!
/rant
- Location:soon to be former home
- Mood:
aggravated - Music:Rachel Maddow
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snapebeliever- snapebeliever
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wastespend your time on this frivolous matter. I was very excited for you, though, to hear that you now own your own house. That is simply amazing. Congratulations on that!As for the jury duty, I can't wait until I can *itch about the case details. You'll be shaking your head in disbelief.
Thanks! *hugs you back*
The defendant, on the other hand, was a convicted crack dealer who was on trial for attempted murder while serving time for another crime he had committed.
I found it a particularly edifying experience and was thankful to actually experience the judicial system in action.
I found knitting to be a great way to pass the time when not in the court-room. I think I finished a blanket!
I really do need to learn to knit. Every time I see someone knitting I'm envious of the apparent state of zen it seems to inspire. I spend every break frantically sending emails and text messages. (Another frustration is my inability to get a voice phone signal inside the court house. Damned AT&T!)
The saving grace for me is not being on a criminal trial. I'm not sure I want to have anyone's life or freedom in my hands. On the other hand it would be better to be on a case that was of more consequence than two people fighting over money. It would be nice to have a more meaningful experience some day.
But don't get me wrong. I'm taking my responsibility as a juror very seriously
One thing I'm sure of is you had a far better Jury experience that I'm having!