I’m Doing My Civic Duty Today

You guessed it, Jury Duty

Thankfully, the powers that be allowed me to bring my computer to jury duty. Yippee!

(Please read to the end so you can learn something about artificial intelligence.)

I’ve had some pretty funny Jury Duty experiences, and I expect this to be another adventure.

1. I had just graduated from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo when I got my first call to serve on a jury. I can’t remember the Judge’s name, but he was blind and dearly loved in SLO. His seeing-eye-dog accompanied him as he walked the downtown area, visiting with citizens as they spoke to him. The legend was, if his dog barked, you were guilty; if the dog stayed quiet, you were innocent.

I was chosen to serve on a trial where the defendant was a law student and represented himself. He pled not guilty to speeding. He had all kinds of research, photos, and statistics. I figured he was testing his skill. But his best defense was his looks and demeanor. He was tall and breathtakingly handsome. Whenever he addressed the jurors, he would focus his dreamy eyes on the young women. When all the facts were heard from the defendant and the patrolman, we exited to the jury room.

One man was in a hurry to get home and immediately called for a vote. All the men voted “guilty” and the four younger women voted “innocent.” I was one of them. Discussion ensued. After everyone had their say, another vote was called. Two women moved to guilty, but two of us held fast. He was so darned cute; I didn’t want him to be guilty. But at the same time, I thought it was more of a practice of his skills than a serious trial. The discussion became heated, and we finally united. I caved.

The legend did not hold true. The dog stayed quiet, the jury foreman happily made the charge of guilty, and we all went home.

I’ve always believed that tall, handsome people have an advantage. In this case, that didn’t hold true either.

I stuck around during lunch when the judge dealt with all those with parking or traffic tickets. One by one, he listened to them and chatted kindly. I could tell he had a heart for college students. He would ask them where they came from and what their major was. They got a quiet reprimand and went free.

2. The second time I was called to Jury Duty was in Perris, California. The case involved a defendant who made repeated salacious calls and harassed the plaintiff. The judge asked if anyone thought they were not qualified to serve; I raised my hand.

He asked, “Have you ever received a salacious phone call?”

I answered, “No, your honor.”

“Do you have a physical disability that would keep you from serving?

“No sir, your honor.”

“Why do you feel unable to serve?”

I glanced at the plaintiff, and replied, “I know the person who received the calls.

He’s my neighbor.” I was quickly excused. I was glad I didn’t know the defendant.

3. Another Jury call, I went all the way into the courtroom. When the judge asked if there was anyone who couldn’t serve. I raised my hand.

“Why can’t you serve?” the judge asked.

“I am the Teacher Trainer for Murrieta Valley Unified School District. Thirty teachers will be coming for a week of training starting tomorrow. They have thirty substitutes scheduled to take their classes. Thirty classes with approximately 900 students are doing without them during training. I’m the trainer, and I need to be there.”

“Thank you for your service to education, Mrs. Robertson. Now! When CAN you serve?” I had to give a date for my return before he would excuse me.

4. The last time I was called to jury duty, I sat in a packed room with several hundred apprehensive people. The woman who gave instructions was either a standup comic wannabe or had a good joke writer.

She called the first group of eighty names, and I was one of them. She told us to go to Jury Room Number One.

I thought, “Oh well, this is it. I’m going to have to serve on a trial.” As we exited the room, a man met us in the hall, and handed each of us a slip of paper thanking us for our service. He said, “You are excused. Have a nice day.” We were all mystified. As we walked out of the Court House, each person was double-checking, “Did he really say we’re excused?”

It seemed like a prank. I expected law officers to grab me in the parking lot and say, “Gotcha!”

The weirdest thing is being given back your day after you’ve canceled every appointment or obligation. Sitting in my car, I found myself saying aloud, “What do I do now?”

************************** (Look for me in bold font)

I’ve just discovered how to use AI (Artificial Intelligence) and this is what it had to say about Jury Duty:

Jury duty is a civic responsibility that allows citizens to participate in the judicial process. It involves being part of a jury panel, listening to evidence presented during a trial, and deliberating with other jurors to reach a verdict. Serving on a jury provides a unique insight into the legal system and underscores the importance of fairness and justice. Those called for jury duty are selected randomly from voter registrations or driver's license lists, ensuring that the jury pool represents a cross-section of the community.

When I asked AI to write more, this is what it added:

Many people gain a greater appreciation for the justice system through their service. Serving on a jury is an important civic duty and a way for citizens to contribute to society by participating in legal decisions that affect their communities.

From my own experiences, I have come to understand the value of jury duty. Each time I served, I gained a deeper respect for the judicial system and the people who work to maintain justice. Jury duty, with its mix of unexpected moments and serious responsibilities, is a vital part of our civic duties.

That’s just funny. AI speaks as though it’s actually me writing. I’m telling you this so you aren’t fooled by people who use it to convince you to do something you shouldn’t do. Take MY word for it. I will NEVER use AI without telling you.