Harris County advised me that I was to report to jury duty on Monday, June 5th at 8am. I was not too excited at the prospects but knew it was best to get it over with rather than to delay the inevitable. So … I woke up at 5:15am this morning in order to be able to drive downtown with hubby. What a mistake!?! I was seated in the jury room at 7am … a full hour before necessary!?! Hubby was at his desk on time though and we did get to drive into town using the contra-flow lane. So, the morning was off to a very early start!
In my experience, Monday morning jury duty is at least interesting. Many courts require jurors on Monday mornings so the movement out of the jury room is usually pretty steady. Indeed, my number was called for about the 5th jury panel of the day. We were a small group of only 20. I was thinking a jury of probably six persons and probably family court. Most juries consist of 12 persons and smaller juries tend to be used in family issues.
We gathered along a wall while the deputy advised us of our destination. And, for my first time ever, the jury simply strolled behind him on the streets over to the courthouse which was our destination. We were not the only jury following our deputy like a lost puppy either. The streets were crowded with juries trying to figure out where their deputy was heading! Very interesting!!!
Of course, we make it to the courthouse and there is a very long line extending out the air-conditioned building. These were the security lines as we all had to pass through security to enter the building. My line was almost as long as any airport line … and moved as slowly!
Once outside our courtroom on the 10th floor, the deputy checked to see that we were all there. Of course, a couple of jurors were MIA. Nobody was surprised. The stragglers managed to find their way home and then it was sit tight and wait until called for voir dire. After about 15 minutes of waiting, the deputy comes out and announces that we are a very lucky group indeed! I knew exactly what he meant. When the jury panel is lucky, it means the accused has just settled. Alleluia!!! It is 10:30am and we are relieved of duty!!! I am ecstatic since I am almost always selected for jury duty. My cases have extended as long as a week and none have been satisfying. In one case, we found the criminal guilty as charged and the judge tells us that since the crime was non-violent that the guilty party will be out on the streets again in a couple of years! Then my week long family case was SO discouraging. Sometimes there is just no good decision to be made!
Alas … this was definitely the best jury duty ever!!!
