November 16, 2012

• Jury Duty

  I had a first time experience today.  I was called for jury duty at the Rusk County Courthouse this morning.  Actually, I was scheduled for one on Monday earlier this week but it was cancelled but this one wasn't cancelled so I arrived there at 8:45.  I had to sign after my name on the sign-up sheet.  I was glad to see the name ahead of mine was Rosanna M Martin (Mrs. Jerry).  I had hoped there would be someone I knew, but never thought of it being another conservative Mennonite.

  Most of the other prospective jurors were already in the courtroom when I got there and the bench that Rose was filled so I took a seat elsewhere.  Soon afterwards, the clerk of circuit courts asked if 3 different persons had arrived yet.  They hadn't so they waited until 9 to begin the process of choosing the 12 jurors.  Renee Baxter, (the clerk) told us that no-shows are not permitted unless in a serious emergency.  They were contacting those 3 to remind them to hurry and get there.  I believe everyone did eventually show up although one or two arrived after we were sworn/affirmed in.

  After giving us some instructions and telling us how they picked us through the Dept. of Motor vehicles; (hmmm.....so Amish never get called for jury duty.....), they read off 20 names and those had to go sit in the order we were called in the jury section.  I was number 9 called but was placed in chair # 8.  Rose never got called at all.  There were about 32 people in all, but they only called 20 of those.  Those not called had to remain there for further choosing once the elimination process began.  The judge began by telling us what the crime was; in this case a DUI charge.  The accused was a young woman that I'd guess to be in her early twenties.  The crime happened on March 30th of this year. 

  We were all asked if any of us knew about the case, read it in the newspaper, etc.  None of us had.  Then began questions like: Do you know the defendant? Are you related to her?  Do you know the attorney that represents her, have you ever had any thing to do with his law firm, etc.  Do you know the DNR fellow?  The deputy sheriffs involved in her arrest?  The list went on and on.  No one was eliminated.  Finally came the question:  Are any of you opposed to serving as jury for whatever reason? 

  I raised my hand and told the judge that I had religious convictions concerning serving on the jury.  He thanked me and asked if there were any objections for excusing me.  None, so I was told to sit on the bench again.  This time I got to sit with Rose.   

  More questioning as someone was called to fill my vacancy.  Another woman was excused.  I forget why but think it was that she felt that she couldn't do it with no partiality.

  Finally, they were done questioning so they had the District Attorney and the Defense lawyer striking out 8 names.  Once that was done they read out twelve names for the jurors who were left.  They were sworn/affirmed in again and the rest of us were dismissed to go with the promise that there were no more jury trials for the month and that we wouldn't be summoned for at least 4 years.

  We were free to stay and watch, which I would've loved to do as it was a very educational experience.   I didn't however as I have scads of stuff to do here at home.    On the way out, I stopped by the restroom and one of the would-be jurors told that she appreciated my honesty and courage to say why I couldn't conscientiously serve.  "I know its because of 'Judge not that you be not judged'.....I consider myself a Christian and now I am going to go home and study that verse too.  I really want to know just how I feel about that."  I regret not telling her that I would pray that as she seeks the answer for herself that God will guide her in her search.    But I will pray to that end.  I guess I hadn't thought that my words would leave a testimony but am grateful that it did.  I want to give God the glory for that.

  PS.  (I thought it was interesting there were 3 Mennonites there and all of us were from the 3 different local churches represented here in Rusk Co.)

  Well, that was the end of my call to Jury Duty.  Have a good day.  Kim

  .Here's a picture to liven it up.  My Dad with Kaity about 4 years ago. 

   

  • 3:14 pm
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