Civic Duty: I've been called!

Been wondering how you were getting on Mum....are you glad it's over?

 

First week, first case: yes!

The past 2 1/2 weeks ... hmmm.

Enjoyed listening to the evidence; enjoyed evaluating and analysing the evidence .. so yes!
This week though has proved quite a challenge and the most stressful due to the deliberations. Some people didn't understand what constituted "evidence".
Some were so overwhelmed by the responsibility that another person's "fate" lay in their hands that they were resolute in one regard to the verdict irrespective of any evidence (should they decide what evidence might actually be!) thus trying to abdicate any real responsibility. Ergo, forgetting that they also held a responsibility to the victims/witnesses!
Still others, with the evidence within their hands (because they were too lazy to analyse it!), preferred to send messages to the court to clarify points ... only to be pointed back to the evidence they already had! (Embarrassing is a better word for that as opposed to "enjoy").

As an experiment in the observation of "human nature", it is most interesting to note that self opinionated people are alive and well (and in the majority!) in today's world: irrespective of evidence, facts and judges directions. Well, in the case of *some* juries anyway

I *would* do it again .. but, please, let me have some time off for good behaviour FIRST! It is exhausting! As one jury member put it: it's like being on a long haul flight on a daily basis!

 

Big up our "M".
I wouldn't mind having you on my jury panel..
Jenny

 

Well done "M"! You can now give your grey matter a well earned rest!

 

Totally agree, that was my experience of jury duty too. Quite scary that these people can hold the fate of other people in their hands, depending on how the rest of the panel allow themselves to be manipulated.

 

Quite!
And, as many of the rest of this particular panel just wanted to get back home to their normal lives without a ripple, puts quite a pressure on the remainder: those who are there with no hidden agenda.

It really can be an emotional and mentally challenging experience.

I think I prefer to reflect on the first week: that week, the jury members really did gel (although do not mistake that for all agreeing puppets! We had some strong minded folk there too - they, at least, had the decency to do honour to both the victims and accused and weigh up the odds in an impartial manner: deep respect to them for that!). Those discussions were based on the facts presented, intelligent questions, respect for all on equal measure and the ability to laugh at themselves when necessary. The gravity of the situation, and our role, was fully acknowledged, undertaken with due respect and differences of opinion were not only expected, but appreciated and then examined and given due consideration. Now, *that* group were pure class to be a part of!

And, upon reflection, that is the experience I think I would most like to remember and carry with me down the years. But, without forgetting just how manipulative the self opinionated certain *someone's* can be and the impact they have - not just on the outcome, but on the whole system and on their peers too.

 

I hope to god I never get called up for Jury service.

 

Well done "M", I hope i don't get called up as i don't like legal words and the way it's writen, i get confussed, yes i'm the one that sits in the corner with a D hat on

 

@ARMANDII
You Agree, which bit do you Agree with Please

 

I saw what you did
It's my understanding that, even now it's ended, I am not permitted to discuss it. I believe that is so the people concerned (and jurors) cannot be identified from anything I may say?

Thank you, Jiffy
If it's only the legal speak putting you off, then don't worry, absolutely everything is put in simple terms. And, if there is something you do not understand, you can scribble a note to the Judge and ask.