Jury Duty

Well I am offically Juror #8. It's funny as I sit and think about this. I was so torn about being on this jury for many reasons. Of course there is the inconvenience that I will face. Some extra hours to make this as easy as possible for my bosses. The other reason is even more important because, since this is a capital offense, I will be helping 11 other people decide whether a man will live or die. That is a very scarey job and one that I do not take lightly.

It's funny because from the time I got my first jury summons, everyone has given me advice on how to get out of jury duty. Not one person said what a great honor or I'm excited for you. I only heard what a bummer it is to be called. Since this was a death penalty case the process was long and difficult. I had to go in three different times. The last one was on the stand and I was questioned by each of the attorney's. It was not hard, but it was extremely draining. They forced you to look inside yourself and really see what your feelings are. This is not always easy.

I am going to do what ever American should be proud to do. I am going to sit on a jury because I am an American citizen and that is not only my right but the right of the man standing trial. My father fought in three wars so that I could sit on a jury. Many people in other countries would and are dying for the freedom to sit on a jury. This is something that our country stands for. The right to a trial by your peers. Your right to defend yourself.

It's sad to know that next week when those jury summons go out, the first thought those people are gong to have is how can I get out of this. But then that's part of our freedom to.