No Civic Duty

My foray into the world of professional jurist was anticlimactic. I packed my FA abstinent lunch in my cooler, loaded that into the trunk of my car (not sure what they would allow into the courthouse and it is just too much to tote around all day), put on my not-too-little-old-lady outfit, and left for the courthouse at 7:15 -- yep, that is AM. I had already talked with my sponsor, meditated, had breakfast, and done the previous night's dishes.



Arriving at 7:40, I discovered that you could already not only get into the building, but check in at the jury room. These people start early! I settled myself into a black plastic chair and readied myself to work for the greater good of mankind.



I quickly realized that my concerns about not owning professional attire were unfounded. If I had really wanted to fit in, I'd have purchased and applied a bunch of those temporary tattoos you can buy for children. From the looks of some of my fellow prospective jurors the term "a jury of your peers" has a deeper meaning than I had thought.



First we had a recorded orientation. Then we had 2 hours of sitting while watching the RVers (or something like that -- they show DVD movies that couldn't possibly offend anyone while you wait). They called about 24 people for one jury panel, assuring us that there would be at least two more panels called by the end of the day. Then there was a two hour break for lunch. I ate my packed lunch, then went window shopping. Downtown Sacramento really has become a scene of urban blight. Except for Macy's and Z Gallerie, there isn't any place to shop. No wonder Roseville gets so much of our sales tax.



After the break they showed Night at the Museum, again assuring us that there were more juries to be drawn. Most of the people from the first panel seemed to come back in and a jury from earlier in the week checked in with the Clerk and got some sort of paperwork. At 3:30 or so they announced that any jurors in the mezzanine or hallway were to return to the jury room. This is it, we thought. Prepare to make momentous decisions. Not to be. The little man announced that no more jurors were needed for that day and we were asked to stand in line to get our proof of service. Interesting. Reading my book and watching DVD movies is serving. How easy is that?