I was called for jury duty today. I don't know if other counties do this, but in Alameda, you "report" online to see whether you have to go in physically (after 5pm the previous day for 8:30am call, after 11am for a 1pm call). Twice in the past I haven't needed to go in; today I did.
I took the bus in (which was much more convenient than driving, since it was a quick ride, and I didn't have to park) and arrived at about 8:15am. I brought a book and knitting to keep me occupied, and I used them for a couple of hours. At maybe 9:45am, about twenty names were called out of the room.
Twenty or thirty minutes later, the roll call started again, and this time it went on and on. At least three-quarters of the room was called, I think; I was one of them. We climbed upstairs and filled a courtroom (I was one of the last in, so I got to sit in the jury box).
It turned out to be a murder trial, with multiple counts. I have to admit I was a little fascinated by the idea of being a juror at such a trial. Unfortunately, the dates didn't work for me (I have a hiking trip planned, with friends coming from the east coast), so I had to ask for a hardship excuse, which I got. The judge wished me a good trip.
So ended my brush with the jury box. I hope I get another chance.
Lori Melton says:
I'd love to get picked for jury duty, and would also find a murder trial a mix of interesting and disturbing.
Have fun on your hiking trip!