Judge Dread - I am the LAW!

Yup, I completed my civil duty as a juror yesterday. I must admit it was an interesting experience. I arrived at the court house and was ushered into a private chamber with my fellow jurors. While we waited for court to begin conversation between us all seemed to come with ease. I was the only juror under the age of 45 but everyone was friendly and outgoing with this young whippersnapper! It seemed we had just enough time to get to know each other before we were escorted into the court room. We were all sworn in and given a quick overview of what was going to happen by the judge.

The lawyers for each side gave their opening statements and then the presenting of the evidence began. This came in the way of pictures, documents and personal witnesses being called to the stand to testify. I must admit this was the part that I found myself struggling with, when it comes to children I have no problem deciding who is right and who is wrong - or make a determination if someone is lying, doing this with adults (who have sworn to tell the truth - the whole truth - and nothing but the truth - SO HELP THEM GOD!) is definitely more difficult.
The lawyers gave their closing statements and then the judge addressed the jury as to what the "law" was and how we should approach the job that we were about to perform.

I was worried that I was going to be alone in my assessment of the case but was immediately placed at ease when all the other jurors began discussing the points of the case. It turns out we were all on the same page and had drawn very similar conclusions. It took us about 35 minutes to deliberate and make our decision on all aspects of the case. We knocked on the door and informed the bailiff that we had come to a decision.

We were again escorted into the court room and gave the paper with our decision and the specifics of the case to the judge. After he looked it over it was passed to the court clerk who then verified the specifics of our decision with us and once we all confirmed that was our decision the judge ruled on our decision and the case was closed.

I am glad I got to participate in the whole process but at the same time I am glad I am exempt for the next 3 years. I have enough responsibility of holding my families life in my hands I prefer not to be in charge of the destiny of strangers!