Let's face it: no one likes getting one of these things in the mail. In fact, I can't think of a single person I know who's been summoned for duty who woke up that morning and said, "Finally! I get to go to Jury Duty!"
I've been summoned only once before in my life, about six years ago while living in Phoenix. It wasn't a bad experience, but I think that's because the Phoenix court system really goes out of its way to make the the process as pleasant as possible. Big screen movies, wi-fi, fully stocked break room, comfy chairs, workstations, plenty of electrical outlets for your devices…
Contrast that with Arapahoe County in Colorado. The place was like waiting at the DMV. Two small screens showing the History Channel, no wireless, no electrical outlets to charge phones, and chairs so uncomfortable it was a relief when they finally started calling out the groups of 50-70 people for screening. They told us we would be divided into four groups; one for a civil trial and the other three for criminal cases—all of which were expected to last 3-5 days.
Great. Just fucking great.
I really wouldn't have minded serving the 3-5 days away from work if it had been the middle of summer, but hearing this, my heart sank because a major—and hopefully for the season final—snow storm was predicted to roll in tonight and last until early Wednesday morning, dropping 12-14 inches in the process. I mean c'mon, guys. It's fucking April!
While I would have no trouble getting to the courthouse without having to drive on my nearly-bald tires, I didn't relish the thought of having to get up at 5 am to do it.
This obviously wasn't going to be a repeat of my experience in Phoenix where I basically waited around a single day to be called into a group, only to have each successive case be dismissed or settled before trial.
I was selected for the third group today, and just as we were about to be called to go upstairs to the court for screening, they announced that our particular case had been extended because the witnesses failed to appear and we were free to go.
Woo! Paid day off! (And if it snows as much as they're predicting, I may get a snow day tomorrow as well!)
Just take a gun with you. That's sure to get you off!
I want to go to jury duty.
I've never been before and think it would be a good experience to do my civic duty at least once.
I'd probably get tossed out for not matching what either side wants in a jurist, though.
In Massachusetts, it's "One day or One trial" whichever comes first and then you're not going to get served with jury duty for another 3 years.
Lucky bastard!!