I've got jury duty next week...

[CaliforniaPeggy]

LA County has this neat system where you call in each day to check if they need you the next one...

I just called for Monday, and they don't need me!

Ahhhhhhhhhh...

[gateley]

1. I had jury duty in Smithfield, NC, and it was short and actually

kind of enjoyable!

When we first got there we were all in a room and the woman said "does anybody have a valid reason why they shouldn't serve?" We all raised our hands. Then she said "I should note that the two that are scheduled today will probably take about one or two hours each, whereas if you're excused today and have to come back, there's no telling how long you might have to serve." All our hands came down.

I noticed when the judge was asking us each a question (I forget what it was) I was the only one who didn't call him Sir. My Yankee lack of manners. I felt bad about it afterward. I always call The Magistrate Sir.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I enjoy going...

It's just that getting there isn't half the fun!

It's at least an hour via light rail to downtown LA...Lots of transfers and stuff like that. And if you drive, then you have to find a place to park...

I should have asked for a change of venue, but it's too late now. Next time I get called, I'll do that. I'm really not ready to walk long distances just yet, being 3 months out from my knee surgery.

I'm sure the judge is used to being called most anything!

[ellisonz]

2. I have never done jury duty...

By the time LA County caught up to me a few years ago I was in Hawaii, other than that, not a word in over 8 years of eligibility.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. That's weird, my dear ellisonz...

I thought they needed jurors more than that.

[ellisonz]

8. I think Hawaii is just less criminal...

And L.A. has a massive pool to draw from. They sent a notice to my 92-year-old grandfather last week and my 89-year-old grandmother last year. Needless to say, they didn't go! I don't think I'd ever get put on a jury anyway, my answers to certain questions are not what they're looking for.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. I think you're WAAAAAAY too smart for any jury, LOL!

[Akoto]

7. I was not called until last year, at age 26 ...

By then, I was on disability, so they permanently removed me from the list. It was a scare, though! I didn't know how I'd manage to survive the visit, given my physical issues.

I guess the system just takes a long time to find some of us.

[ellisonz]

10. Looking on the bright side of things...

...it's probably a good thing they don't need more of us!

[pinboy3niner]

4. I got my summons for the 29th

That phone system here in L.A. Couny is great. You don't have to show up at the courthouse unless you're needed.The last time, I didn't have to appear in person at all. We'll see what happens this time.

I think ellisonz is on the jury blacklist.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. My dear pinboy3niner!

What an evil thing to say, LOL!

I do love the phone system too. Very convenient.

Maybe I'll see you!

[pinboy3niner]

12. It would be cool to meet you, Peg

But I have a different courthouse assignment--Antelope Valley. That's nearby, and much better for me than downtown, as the Metrolink trip to Union Station from here is 2 hours.

All of my in-person meetups with DUers have been at protests, beginning with kerrygoddess at Iraq War protests in '04-'05, then Fire Walk With Me, U4ikLefty, Zhade, ellisonz, and Mr. & Mrs. coalition_unwilling last year and this at various Occupy L.A. actions and Trayvon marches.

Perhaps we'll meet after you're fully recovered...take care of that knee!

[ellisonz]

9. I am not a crook!

Edit: Officially.

[HopeHoops]

13. "GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY!!! STRING HIM UP!!!"

That will always get you out of it, especially if the crime is something like shoplifting.

[RebelOne]

14. I have had jury duty twice,

once in Miami, FL, and once in Atlanta, GA. I was called last year for jury duty in Marietta, GA. But the notice said that if you are over 70 years old, you can opt out, which I did, as I was 72. That is one advantage of aging, you get out of jury duty.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

15. That's an interesting bit of news...

I'm not 70 yet, but it's coming!

I'll check and see if that's available here in LA.

[bluedigger]

16. I did it for the first time a few weeks ago.

I had to go Monday and Tuesday morning for selection, but it wasn't bad. The judge was pretty funny, which helped. One woman got in some trouble for sharing her opinions on the case with other jurors. Then she needed a lawyer.

[Phentex]

17. I just got my check for earlier this month...

Where I was not chosen after most of the dang day. By that time, I wanted to be selected!

Have fun if you have to go.