Things I Learned at Jury Duty

About a month ago, what to my wondering eyes did appear? Not Santa, but a summons to jury duty. I actually was relieved that the official looking envelope from the court was not another photo radar ticket. I geared up some sub plans (I left all of my classes reading Shakespeare...hehehe), and I headed to DOWNTOWN Phoenix to the Superior Court. After parking 3 miles away and riding the shuttle to the courthouse, I was relieved I had made it there 5 minutes before my reporting time. Good thing I was there so early too, because I sat and waited for 4 hours before I was called to a jury. Then I was called, and we went up to the top floor of the courthouse...and waited for another hour and a half. I sat on the cold floor reading my book wondering why they couldn't leave us in the comfy chairs in the jury assembly room if they weren't really ready for us. I had an interesting day, and in my hours of waiting, I observed some strange happenings. These are the things I learned:

1. If you tick someone off (i.e. the lady at the jury sign-in desk), she's probably not going to help you by giving you the excuse certificate for your employer. I've also heard it stated this way: You can catch more flies with honey than nastiness.

2. When you get a jury summons or other official-looking document in the mail, you should do as it says. One lady burst in demanding to see the judge because she didn't follow instructions and now has a warrant out for her arrest. I don't think she saw a judge today, but maybe soon.

3. Some things never change. Everytime a jury panel was called, there were at least two yahoos who didn't hear their names the first three times they were called. It reminds of some of my students (Jay, Allison, and Tony) who never hear what page we're on and don't notice me writing it on the board in big red numbers. It takes at least three repetitions to get anything done in my 6th hour.

4. People really don't listen. After witnessing the process of jury panels being called to courtrooms and hearing the directions repeated several times an hour, you would think people have it figured out. They call your name. You say "Here". They give you a number. You walk up (remembering the number on your way to the desk), and take the big card that has your juror number on it. Then you turn off your cell phone and follow the nice bailiff into the courtroom. That's it. Do you have any idea how many people forgot their numbers?

5. And last but not least, your actions really do affect others. I would like to take my students on a field trip to the courthouse where they can see the families of the "alleged" criminals outside the courtrooms. I saw lots of crying people today in connection with the case from which I was released. I think it was pretty serious (most crimes are, I suppose).

In all seriousness, I enjoyed the experience of being summoned for jury duty. It was a break from the normal routine, and so many of life's truths were reaffirmed.