My Day In Court

Tweet

Back approximately six months ago or even longer, I received a form in the mail, about possible jury duty. It was just a basic form, requiring a minimum of personal information. This form 'had' to be returned by a certain date. I sent it back, and then forgot all about it. Fast forward to late August, and I received 'a summons to juror' the very day I was to leave for a week's vacation. This summons stated that I was to appear at the courthouse, on Monday September 15th at 9:00 a.m. as a member of a jury selection panel. There were very few reasons for being excused, and they had to be submitted in writing, to be reviewed by a judge. I arrived at the courthouse (early) having no idea what to expect. I must say I was nervous, as I've never done anything like this before. All of the potential jurors (at least 150), were ushered into an assembly room. We were shown a twenty minute video on the process of jury selection. We then waited to be taken into the actual courtroom. As it turned out, they were selecting one jury (of 12) for a criminal case, that day. The names of all potential jurors, were literally placed in a drum, and fifteen people were selected to begin with. They lined up at the front of the courtroom, and each one took their turn at the mike. The judge asked them if there was any reason they weren't able to serve. Many people had one excuse or another, and 'she' did dismiss some of them. For those who said they could serve, they were asked to face the defense lawyer, the defendant, and the Crown Attorney (the same as the DA in the US). They had to look directly at each other, from a very close range. I found this to be nerve wracking just to watch. The defense, and the Crown, then took alternate turns, stating if they wanted the individual in question to be a member of the jury. The case being tried was for aggravated assault, by the way, the defendant being a young man. If the person was approved, the defense or the Crown would state 'content.' If not they'd say 'challenge,' and that person wouldn't be a part of the jury. Both the defense, and the Crown, would have to be in agreement. Once a juror was approved, they were sworn in, and took their seat in the jury box. There were quite a few 'challenges,' so new groups of people kept being drawn at random, and the same procedure followed. Finally they agreed on the twelve. My name wasn't drawn, so I now have to return, and go through the whole process again next Monday. We're required (here in Ontario) to make three such appearances. Then if we're not selected for a jury, we're dismissed, and it's treated as though we've served. I had no idea how any of this actually worked. It really is fascinating to watch, albeit nerve wracking (for me) because of my involvement. Do you know how jury selection works in your country? Have you ever received any type of letter, summons etc., regarding this? Have you actually served on a jury, or do you know of somebody that has? Do you get paid for being a juror? Does your country have trials by jury?