ryanbp01 wrote:Just my luck. I never have been called to serve and I would love to do it!
BPR
I bet you'd love it. I served on three, can't wait for another.
One tip: when yer selected, then chosen, hear the case and are on the way to the jury room, try to get kind middle in the line (walkin down the hall). There'll be one or two who always Must be first. But if there is another one (or more) that also seems to be especially antsy to get into the room, be behind that one. Then, when you enter the jury room, if the chair at the head of the table (closest) is open, take it, but take it calmly and confidently as if it has your name on it.
One of the first things after the bailiff's "Welcome" is choosing a Foreman. Odds are if the person in that head chair is a decent sort- the rest have gotten a chance during the trial to sense that- he will be the first candidate.
Accept.
This is very generalized, of course, and is somewhat more complicated in theory, but taking that spot does many good things for you and the jury and the case, and the extra work and responsibility is a small inconvenience.
I took that chair on my first trip solely by accident. I like to sit at or near the end so I can see and esp. hear everyone equally well. And right off the bat I was made Foreman.
My next two trips I did as I stated above, again, instant Foreman.
*** OOPS! Just remembered, second case, yes, I was nominated right away, but so was another person whom I had decided earned my respect. I then declined. Worked out well.
Now things in a jury deliberation can get pretty chaotic (3 of 3) so you will be quickly asking yourself who you most trust as Foreman. The answer will probably be You.
[What about the others antsy going in? Well if one grabbed that chair the chance is excellent he wants the Foreman spot. And his idea of fair selection is more "First Come First Served" than consensus. This person may be dangerous. A tyrant Foreman can make a jury room he11.
There's a lot more to it, but this is a rough idea.]
Anyway, it can be Fun!