Waiting is the hardest part

"When you go to court, you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty." - Norm Crosby

When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/norm_crosby.html#ErQZ3LDxhDAEZIKj.99

When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/norm_crosby.html#ErQZ3LDxhDAEZIKj.99

When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/norm_crosby.html#ErQZ3LDxhDAEZIKj.99

When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/norm_crosby.html#ErQZ3LDxhDAEZIKj.99

Every time the subject of jury duty comes up I'm always reminded of the above quote.  Yesterday my number finally came up and I was called for jury "service."  The day was filled with waiting around but being able to observe the process was quite interesting.

I made my way into a cloudy downtown Raleigh around 8 a.m.  In many cities that would mean crazy rush-hour traffic but here in Raleigh the traffic is basically nonexistent.   After I parked and walked over to the new courthouse building and checked in the day of waiting began.  A little after 9 all of us there for jury duty were given our oath and made to watch a video explaining the legal process.  Having watched years of Law & Order there really wasn't any new information, though the bad acting was entertaining. 

A few more hours of waiting around in a large holding room and we were finally called to the courtroom by the judge.  Of the 37 potential jurors, 13 were picked to serve, 12 jurors and one alternate.  The judge excused 15 people for various reasons from health concerns, family/business obligations and a few for cause.  Cause ranged from one kid being the son of a district attorney to others who did service work in the area where the incident took place.  That left 10 people, myself included, who were never called for questioning and allowed to go around 4 p.m.

While interesting it seemed like a lot of time is wasted asking the same questions over and over.  I can't help but think some technology could save lots of time.  The thing that takes the longest is the questioning of the people in the jury box.  I understand the lawyers are working to strengthen their case but it's just so repetitive.  Specifically once they start excusing people for cause.  They end up with 10 jurors and then just keep calling people to fill the last few spots and rehashing the same questions.

The questions were pretty simple: Where do you live in the county?  What do you do?  What does your family do?  Do you trust police?  Do you watch CSI type shows?  And this case was an assault charge so a few questions about knives.   The defense was claiming self-defense so I'm sort of glad I didn't have to serve.  I know the importance of being a juror but there is also a lot of pressure.  The decision rendered by the jury could either send an innocent man to jail or let a violent man out on the streets.

Despite the periods of boredom, it was an interesting day.  And being downtown for lunch allowed me to make one last trip to Cooper's BBQ before it moves locations and they demolition the historic building to build more condos.  It's sad to lose the history of the building but as long as they keep making delicious pulled pork I'll follow them anywhere.