After many delays, forgotten dates and very nearly a summons I did my civic duty and showed up for Jury duty today. I showed up a few moments before 9 AM at the Baltimore County Circuit Court to check in. There was a quite a long line, but it was moving fast. They gave me my $15 and validated my parking. I took a seat in the large and comfortable seating area. After everyone checked in they told us how the day would go, mostly waiting. Then they showed us a video that was a good 20-25 years old judging by clothing. The video explained the jury selection process and what happens after you get selected. They also said you used to have to serve for 30 days instead of 1, that is amazing I guess you just essentially left work for a month.
After the video they put on some movie that I can't remember. I moved to one of the "quiet" areas. I sat there for about an hour. Then two ladies began discussing how they will do anything necessary to get out of sitting for a trial, things like panic attacks and such. They kept saying that they shouldn't be hear since they didn't go to school like judges and lawyers and how could anyone be expected to pay attention in court. Their ignorance was simply stunning. The last thing I heard before I got up to leave was "What is a docket?" after they announced one docket was cleared and they were waiting on the other. I just couldn't stand them and was afraid they would notice the faces I was making at them and so I moved to the other quiet area.
I read the entire book Feed cover to cover during the day. About 12:30 they released us for lunch until 1:30 PM. About 2:30 PM I finished the book and moved back into the main room. They were now showing Father of the Bride 2. I began to play my DS which I thankfully brought with me. At about 3:00 PM they called number 2-92 to be selected, I was 120. At about 3:30 PM a judge came down and made a quick speech thanking us for sitting around for the day and telling us how important it is to be able to sit a jury promptly to prevent delays in the justice system. He then released us for the day.
I know most people think jury duty is just a pain in the ass, and to some degree I agree. However it is a very necessary part of the justice process. Most people seemed to be ok with doing their duty, others though I just wanted to shake and say you are an idiot.
I think that serving on a criminal jury was the worst thing ever! It totally blew all faith I had in our justice system. When someone who is clearly guilty of shooting someone with a sawed off shotgun is not convicted because most of the jurors are too stupid to follow instructions... it makes you wonder... and worry.