Jury duty... continued

With great hesitation, I dialed the phone number for jury duty last night to see if I had to report this morning. We were instructed to call a 'special' number after 4:30 PM to hear a recorded message concerning our requirements for the next day. My first attempt at 4:30:15 failed and the announcement reported, "that line is busy." I tried again five minutes later to learn that I had to report to courtroom C. Phooey!!!

All this at the same time I was battling a "situation" with the bank and Spence Property Management which I posted about on soky.biz. AND, while I was trying to get down to Nashville to see my buddy Ken Kenslow. It was a hectic hour to say the least.

To my point, I was NOT happy to learn that I had to report in the morning. I know, it's one of those civic duty things but darnitall, I have things to do.

Briefly, I got there and they called roll. Then they started drawing our names and sure enough my name was drawn. Judge Wilson introduced the overview of the case and announced it was scheduled for ... FOUR DAYS! He then announced that Judge Grise also had a criminal case today so the entire juror panel was to report to courtroom "A" immediately following questioning. He commented, "today is the day you get to do your civic duty." To which all laughed, albeit a tad uncomfortably.

The 4 day case was a medical malpractice case involving a surgery and a deceased mother of three and her surviving husband and the operating surgeons. The events took place in Oct '05 and I was immensely unimpressed. I knew I didn't want to be locked down for 4 days but figured I would work nights to keep up.

Once questioning began, several people were singled out. I had no real issues with the plaintiff attorney's questions although I was singled out because of a smirk I had on my face. (Long story, trying to be brief.) Then the defending attorney, who was most impressive I might add, asked a series of questions and one I could not resist to answer. He asked, "do any of you feel that medical malpractice lawsuits are a reason for the high cost of medical care." (Paraphrased) I raised my hand and answered.

I had raised my hand earlier to another question where I explained that I had been part of an aircrew which consisted of medical doctors. To this current question I explained that I did feel that these kinds of lawsuits are reasons that doctors charged so much. I elaborated slightly and explained that I had published my opinion online. The attorneys approached the bench and I was asked to join them. I clarified my opinion answering the judges and both attorneys questions in private.

The result? I was stricken from the list by one of the parties. hmmm... let me guess which.

What I found interesting was the attorney who asked the question. He represented the defendant or the Doctors. I would have thought that my opinion regarding the frivolous lawsuits would have worked to their favor and frankly, as much as I was admonished not to form opinions, I'm human and I had already started to do it anyway. I had heard too many doctor friends complain of the cost of malpractice insurance that opinions had started to form in my head anyway.

I'm confident I was cut by the plaintiff but have no way to know for sure.

I had asked Judge Wilson (AKA Skip Bond of "Skip Bond and the Fugitives") how long Judge Grise's case was scheduled for, he replied, "two days." I thought that was a good thing and actually hoped my "opinion" would get me stricken from the jurors list. It did.

So we broke for lunch and I got to meet Carrie at Mariah's. They have the best chicken fingers on the planet and I look for excuses to go there. Carrie drove into town to meet me and we had a great lunch together.

I arrived for case number 2 a little early and got to talk to some of the jurors. It's funny, when I first reported to the jury pool for orientation, I was so shy that I had an anxiety attack sitting in my seat. Yes... I'm a shy guy. 15 days later, I had made a few friends and we were cutting up and having a little fun.

Judge Grise's case was a criminal case involving two defendants who were acquitted on many charges relating to the production, distribution and possession of Methamphetamines. I already knew that this one was scheduled for 2 days but since it was starting after 1:00 PM, I assumed it may roll on into a third day.

The clerk called roll and drew numbers/names. Yep I was selected for this case too. Go figure. Because of the importance of the case and the questioning, they called many more names than usual. From a visual reference, I would venture double were called up to the front. I was called about #9... again, go figure.

The assistant district attorney was young and his suit was a little too big, but he was really good. His presentation was confident and smooth. His questions were clear and to the point. I answered one concerning knowing one of the detectives and then his second to last question forced me to request to approach the bench.

The question was something like, "Do you have any personal experience with controlled substance, either by you or close family that would affect your ability to be impartial?" Actually the question included the term, "prevent you from obeying the law." which caused me pause but not for long. I asked for privacy and explained some of the exposure to illegal drugs by my family as well as my involvement in counter drug operations through the Air Force. I explained that I would in fact trust the detectives and police testimony over and above any other and I had little tolerance for users and producers of drugs.

All three attorneys questioned me but the young assistant district attorney hit me with the bomb of a question. "Would this experience prevent you from being able to consider the evidence impartially?" (Again paraphrased from memory.) To which I replied, "I think I'm smart enough to make a good effort and I am willing to try, but you asked the question and I wanted you and the judge to know of some of the influences on my opinion." All three attorneys and the judge were satisfied with my response and they asked me to take my seat.

Several other potential jurors asked to speak privately concerning this question and after about 1/2 hour, the attorneys and the judge had a little "talk" after which Judge Grise excused me and one other from the case. He instructed us to leave the courtroom and call the special number after 4:30. (I just did and I have to call in again on Friday "for further instructions.")

So at about 3:00 this afternoon I was finally released from my obligation to serve. 28 people will be serving as jurors for the next 2 to 4 days but not me. I was willing and I was honest in my answers but I have to admit, I did not want that intrusion on my time. It's not the right time for it but then... when is?

I got to know a few more of the jurors. I love meeting new people. Although I am shy at first, almost to the point of panic attack, after a while I do loosen up and get to know people. I really enjoy learning the stories of people I've never met.

So there you have it. After returning to my office with a plan to work late this evening, Steve Ellis from Ellis Place / State Street Pub called me to touch base and say hello. I decided to go there tonight and now Carrie is getting ready. (I think) It will be a fun time... well, if she doesn't veto the plan at 6:30 when I call her for a final... "verdict." LOL! I left it up to her whether we go or not... I'll conform to the decision.

There you have my "brief" description. I had many other things to do but until I get it out of my head, the memories roll around for hours and distract me anyway. Now it's out and you just read it. Thanks... I mean it.