Heading to jury duty today.
I know D.C. loves to impanel lawyers, but something tells me that “I’m a civil procedure and constitutional law professor” will still get me bumped as soon as we get to voir dire.
I know D.C. loves to impanel lawyers, but something tells me that “I’m a civil procedure and constitutional law professor” will still get me bumped as soon as we get to voir dire.
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Mon dieu!
Complex civil case, though, you never know ...
And the judge got mad at me for not wresting myself more quickly from the attackers so I could call the police.
???
The last time I was on a jury, the judge announced that it was a SA case and anyone who was uncomfortable could leave. About 25% of the pool raised their hands. He dismissed them, no questions asked.
That case killed the last remaining shred of confidence I had in juries.
I was called to jury duty numerous times, but once they found out about his job, I was NEVER chosen.
Made it to voir dire
Had previous cases with the plaintiff’s lawyer and most of the witnesses
And the judge thought I was just trying to get out of it
I said sure-leave me on
Great grounds for appeal
Your call
He dismissed me
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/10/us/erik-sparre-arrested-swain-murders.html
Me: "Of course, your honor. But I can question the judgment of the lawyers presenting their cases, right?"
Judge: "Sure!"
Bounced in the next challenge.
Pointed out an error in the voir dire to the judge, who ended up throwing out the whole jury panel. Whew!
(Hey, I promised not to use my legal knowledge.)
Unless he tries to bring a weapon through the metal detectors….
After sitting on a jury, I really did feel reassured about our justice system.
I walked away thinking it was pretty cool to be part of the process.
I thought folks would be curious about this very American institution.
But, alas, books about jury duty sell about as well as anyone who doesn’t already love jury duty might predict.