Reply #58: I've had multiple summons over the years

[GardeningGal]

Several times I went down and was excused around mid day because my number was never called. I was questioned for one jury and then was excused by the defense. I eventually ended up on a criminal trial and it was one of the worst experiences in my life, but we did manage to reach a verdict.

About 10 months later I received another summons. Now remember, this is supposed to be random selection. (Yeah, right.) I was again questioned for the jury and one of the first questions was whether you had ever served on a jury before, and did you reach a verdict. There were 12 being questioned at the time and 5 had said they had been on a jury before but mine was the only one that arrived at a verdict. When it came to my turn to be questioned, one of the attorneys asked about the experience. I was honest and said it was one of the worst in my life. At that point the judge piped in and asked me if I believed it was a civic duty and I said that I 100% agreed it was our duty. However, I also said that I believe it is everyone's civic duty to serve on a jury and once everyone I know has served on one then I'd be happy to serve again. I was dismissed and I amazingly enough have not received another summons.

This happened about 6 years ago.....I hope I haven't jinxed myself now. :o