Yesterday I spent the day at the courthouse in downtown Baltimore. I was one of 1000 people who had been summoned (summonsed?) to appear as a potential juror for a trial. Because things were so crowded, I ended up spending most of the morning in an overflow room instead of being in my favorite room, The Quiet Room. I like the quiet room because it has tables in it, and I can grade papers or do other schoolwork more easily. I was finally checked in at 11:30, at which time I went to the quiet room. After working for about an hour, I was interrupted by the announcement that it was time for lunch. An hour and a half lunch. Yesterday’s temperature was 68 degrees, so I walked to the Inner Harbor and had a lovely lunch of mall pizza.
After lunch, I sat until 3:20. I was sure the next announcement would be that I could go home. But it wasn’t. I was called into a courtroom with about 80 other people. It was a crazy-lot of them. Finally at 6pm, all the question asking was done, and the selection process was over. And I was chosen to be a juror at this trial. Of course, I won’t be saying anything about it, because you’re not supposed to, but how cool is that?
I’m kind of excited, but kind of not. I’m excited because I haven’t done this before and I think it’s an important job. I’m kind of not excited because I had to prepare more substitute plans for my classes. And may have to tomorrow as well. The judge said the trial may be over as early as this afternoon, but will definitely be done by tomorrow.
Whew! I have YouthQuake to go to this weekend.
Your summons looks so, well, computer generated…must be because 1000 of you get it. Here in Seward, it’s just a nice letter on the County Clerk’s letterhead, signed by her. Her name is Jackie.
Then again, here in Seward only about 35 of us get one. You’d think with those odds I would have been selected far before you. I’m envious.
Some day, I too, will be a juror…*sigh*
Man, you’re in more trials than anyone I know.
I’ve heard some testimonies can get real long & boring … I hope you stay awake if that happens … ’cause I’ve also heard what they do to jurors who fall asleep … it’s not pretty.
I was there when a juror fell asleep! As an alternate juror. And the guy got booted and I got to help decide!
Cool, huh?!
The worst is when they put your hand in a warm cup of coffee.
An hour and a half lunch? No wonder nothing ever gets done in this country! (Remember, I’m in a stinkin’ bad mood! Refer to Lauren and Lloyd’s site.)
Wha? No supper bell???? I guess the hour and half is supposed to cover both?? And, God bless you for going to YouthQuake…I went to one, and, one is enough!
Enjoy! It is interesting, even though it’s a bit of a pain. I hope you’ll give us an overview when it’s done. (Unless it’s really disturbing… then maybe we don’t want to know…)
Yeah, but I can’t imagine Brad posting anything disturbing on his site.
Hey, I didn’t get to write anything. I’m totally jealous of you. Take lots and lots of pictures of the trial with your camera phone, then take lots and lots of pictures from inside your prison cell. I live vicariously through you.