I may not be your typical American when it comes to this, but when I got a juror summons I was ecstatic! I have waited nearly twenty years for this day, and I couldn’t wait to share this news with everyone.
Quickly I found out that I was in the minority when it came to being a juror. Most people would whine about being summoned as a juror. They would complain about how inconvenient it is when they have their own lives going on. One person, I mentioned my excitement to said that they “would rather drown themselves in a puddle than be a juror.”
Not only were they high school level dramatic, but I also felt like they were missing the point.
It is our constitutional right to be judged by the jury of our peers. Which, in turn, means that we’re obligated to judge our peers with open hearts and minds. At least that’s what I would want if I was to be judged by my peers.
Many people I spoke with had opinions about being a juror, and unfortunately, most were negative. When I heard these opinions, I couldn’t help but say “if the glove doesn’t fit, you must acquit!”- Johnnie Cochran. Texting the combination of this quote and photos of small gloves on my hands made for laughter aplenty.
So why am I so eager for this experience?
Getting the chance to see and be a part of any case is fascinating. To witness our legal system working from the inside (without wearing handcuffs) is an honor. To be open-minded and able to focus on facts and stories (that are not of your choosing) will be a challenge. And, even if I leave this experience without a catchy slogan to quote, it will have been worth it.
I am excited to accept this challenge and to be a cog in the clock of democracy.
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Photo by Randy Colas on Unsplash
I too have always wanted to be one of the chosen to represent for our peers. Thank you for standing up for the people who want to be part of our constitutional right.
I’m sure I’ll let you know what I can about my time!