Has anyone ever served Jury Duty?

Question

I have some government homework, and the assignment is to interview someone who has served on jury duty and find out about her/his experiences about jury services.

I don't know anyone who has...

thanks

Answer 1

Yes, I served on a jury in an attempted murder/bigomy case in Florida back in the 1990's.

It was an awesome experience, and went very quickly considering the situation.  The jury was selected within 2 days, then the actual trial took 4 days, and we deliberated and returned a verdict within 24 hours.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Answer 2

I was called to jury duty but all of the cases were settled and so no jury was formed. Pretty much the first thing the judge told us during his introduction was that the courts pull jury candidates out of the DMV records and not the voter registration records, and that this was a common misconception.

Answer 3

I have served jury duty and I was chosen for the jury. It was a civil case that had to do with a real estate transaction. They settled out of court and I was dismissed. I guess I just don't know what you want to know specifically about jury duty? How it works? What the case was about? I wish I could help you out!

Answer 4

I sat on a jury about two years ago for a criminal case in Ohio.  I am an attorney and at the time was a Magistrate, a judicial officer.  I had tried cases to a jury before with clients I represented.  Oddly enough, both the prosecutor and the criminal defense attorney were ok with me sitting and hearing the case.  I knew the prosecutor and had some dealings with the defense attorney during my private practice.  Typically, the attorneys get rid of people who may sway the jury one way or another.  I felt honored that both of the attorneys felt comfortable with me making a decision.  Once the jury was picked and we were escorted out of the courtroom into the jury deliberation room, the questions started.  It felt like I was at career day at a local high school.  Everyone was very inquisitive about the process and what to expect.  I answered their questions politely and sat and drank coffee the rest of the morning.  We heard some testimony that morning.  But the defendant eventually pled out to a lessor charge in exchange for his testimony in another case so we never got to deliberate. I enjoyed the view from the other side of things.  It definitely opened my eyes as a lawyer as to how people think and how interested they are in the whole process.  The jurors never look very interested and often sit expressionless during trials.  I can tell you that the people I was seated with were very attentive and had not missed a thing.  Hope that helps.

Answer 5

I always wanted to and finally got my chance, They said that it would last about 5 weeks and it was about half a year.  Both the DA and the defense attny. were terribly unprofessional and the judge let it go until the last month.  We finally ended up with a hung jury.  Even so, I am willing to serve again.

Your parents should be ashamed for shirking their civic duty.

Answer 6

I went to jury selection for a federal civil trial (a multi-state lawsuit) of Bally's Fitness vs. The Q Club.  I was selected for the jury out of more than 100 people and told it could last for 2-4 weeks.  The first day of the trial the jury showed up and was excused: the parties had decided to settle out of court.  I was paid $42/day + mileage.

Answer 7

Have you asked your parents?  They more than likely have.

Answer 8

Tell your dad he should register to vote!