Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Right of Passage....

As of Tuesday, I can now check another box on my responsible adult list (not that I actually have one of those).  I served my town and my country for a day of jury duty.  I arrived at 7:30 am, waited in line for 45 minutes, and then sat for about five hours, never being selected for anything.  I was released at 12:45, and my duty is served for another three years.  I ate some snacks, met some nice people, and read a few chapters in my latest book club book.  All in all, not such a bad day.  Thanks, Nancy, for adding my baby girl to your crew (especially at 7 am!)....she had a blast.

14 comments:

Mari said...

Good for you! I have never been called and I'm 49 years old so you are way ahead of me!

Kristen said...

It is an experience isn't it! I got called for jury duty only 4 months after moving to Idaho and got picked. I spent three days on a DUI case. I learned quite a bit and it was interesting.

krista said...

Sounds very similar to my experience shortly after Pete and I married and I joined him in MD. I was probably a resident for a whole year or so when I was called.

After a morning of sitting around we were sent out to retrieve our compensation check and grab some lunch...when we returned they sent most of us home.

I just remember being a bit perturbed because it took so much effort to get a sub for the day and arrange all of those lesson plans. (I forgot to mention it was my first year of teaching so things were super crazy to begin with!)

Jessica Brown said...

i have jury duty in february, and i'm not too sure what to expect! it will be my first time.

should be interesting, and i'll be sure to bring a book. or three.

Kara said...

Yep. You are an adult now. I have not had jury duty yet, but I am sure when the day comes - it will be quite an experience. Were you disappointed not to get picked? For some reason - I would love to get sucked into a trial that lasts a little bit and have a part in the justice system for a brief season. Sounds interesting. :-) Maybe it's just the break from life that sounds fun. Who knows. :-)

Nancy said...

Pleasure, as always!!

Anonymous said...

Good Girl. I have served in Lancaster and have been called for Philadelphia, but haven't received a date yet.

Heidi

Krazy Fam said...

That is why I keep my voter registration in Montana. :)

Jen said...

Way to fulfill your civic duty! I got called for federal court in Philadelphia several years ago, and actually got picked as a juror for a bank robbery case. I spent 6 days commuting via train, which was an experience all in itself.

I must admit, I kinda enjoyed it. I got a crash course in the justice system and met some interesting fellow jurors. I figured out that I actually made some money that week, since I got paid my regular work salary, mileage, plus the compensation fee. Good deal!

Of course, now that I'm a mommy, I could always get out of it with the childcare clause (I think)!

Monica said...

I guess I could say the same. I just finished jury duty too. In Lanc, it's a 3 day minimum. So you're there the 3 days whether you get picked or not. I was on a case. I did find it very interesting learning about the justice system. Thank God I got out of the case regarding a 2month baby girl that was killed by her deaf father. I would not have been able to sit through the films of the autopsy results!

Janelle said...

I have never been called...I hope I didn't jinx myself.

Mary@notbefore7 said...

I seriously must get picked every three years. I have been three times since getting married.

First time was actually in the room for a child ab.use case and got out by letting the judge know I could't look at the pictures we were told we were going to see and be non-partial.

Next time the case was settled out of court while I read a good book waiting.

Third time ran into a college kid I used to work with at church and caught up for 2 hours while the case was settled as well :)

I think my three year mark is coming.

Honestly, I'd love to serve on a simple (non abuse) case adn see how the process works.

Maybe next time...

Mary@notbefore7 said...

OH - get my CM email?

Jenni S. said...

I've had jury duty twice now and loved it both times. The whole judicial process is fascinating to me. At least you got to read a bit! :)