So, Jim, this jury I was on...

[bds]

Damn.

You know, I always sort of wanted to do jury duty before I read this. I thought it'd be interesting, some kind of exposé into the justice system beyond just a qualification in Law or whatever, a "behind the scenes," if you will.

Now though, I'm not so sure.

[Doktor Howl]

Damn.

You know, I always sort of wanted to do jury duty before I read this. I thought it'd be interesting, some kind of exposé into the justice system beyond just a qualification in Law or whatever, a "behind the scenes," if you will.

Now though, I'm not so sure.

Nothing about court is pleasant.  If things were pleasant, there would be no reason to put it in a court.

[bds]

Point. Perhaps jury duty wouldn't be so fun.

[Suu]

I just put my pre-summons in the mail today. I'm due to report sometime in July.

[Doktor Howl]

Point. Perhaps jury duty wouldn't be so fun.

It isn't.  It IS, however, absolutely essential.  It is the only portion of our governing system that works the way it is supposed to...a number of amateurs are called in and asked to make a decision, because the state is incapable of making that sort of decision.

So there you have it.  Either you serve on a jury when called, or you allow the state to decide the fate of individuals accused of wrongdoing.

[Doktor Howl]

I just put my pre-summons in the mail today. I'm due to report sometime in July.

Hopefully you won't actually be empanelled.

[LMNO]

I'm going in on April 23 (zomg).

[Suu]

I have to be in court tomorrow at 9am.

[bds]

Point. Perhaps jury duty wouldn't be so fun.

It isn't.  It IS, however, absolutely essential.  It is the only portion of our governing system that works the way it is supposed to...a number of amateurs are called in and asked to make a decision, because the state is incapable of making that sort of decision.

So there you have it.  Either you serve on a jury when called, or you allow the state to decide the fate of individuals accused of wrongdoing.

I agree with you on that. When I was learning law, juries were one of the only things that seemed to make sense, one of the only things that I didn't need to question.

[Doktor Howl]

Point. Perhaps jury duty wouldn't be so fun.

It isn't.  It IS, however, absolutely essential.  It is the only portion of our governing system that works the way it is supposed to...a number of amateurs are called in and asked to make a decision, because the state is incapable of making that sort of decision.

So there you have it.  Either you serve on a jury when called, or you allow the state to decide the fate of individuals accused of wrongdoing.

I agree with you on that. When I was learning law, juries were one of the only things that seemed to make sense, one of the only things that I didn't need to question.

Once you sit through a trial, the weirdness all makes a strange sort of sense.  Doesn't make it a fun experience, though.

[Suu]

They're a necessary evil. And as as registered voter of the United States, it sucks when you're summoned but...it's an experience that everyone should really partake in.

[Doktor Howl]

They're a necessary evil. And as as registered voter of the United States, it sucks when you're summoned but...it's an experience that everyone should really partake in.

Agreed. 

[bds]

Mmm. I think that's sort of one of the problems with just learning about the system, sure, you can learn the laws, and apply them to given scenarios in exams and stuff, but there's no emotion. There's nobody relying on your verdict, you're not handing out justice, there's no deliberation or outside factors to consider, there's a clear right answer at the end.

And yeah. I sort of hope I do get picked to do it at some point during my life, y'know, just for the experience.

[Doktor Howl]

Mmm. I think that's sort of one of the problems with just learning about the system, sure, you can learn the laws, and apply them to given scenarios in exams and stuff, but there's no emotion. There's nobody relying on your verdict, you're not handing out justice, there's no deliberation or outside factors to consider, there's a clear right answer at the end.

And yeah. I sort of hope I do get picked to do it at some point during my life, y'know, just for the experience.

This is precisely it.  When you're actually there, it's not longer theory and hypotheticals.  It's a collection of damaged and destroyed lives, and it's on you to decide what the state will do about it. 

And the opposing lawyers, well, they eat lunch together and talk about football.  As you'd expect.

[Suu]

My first summons I was 19 year old, still living in Florida. I had to miss school for 2 weeks and fell behind. The case was domestic abuse...typical Florida White Trash. I was the youngest one on the jury, but I still just remember sitting there and just being totally disgusted at the situation.