jury duty

I had jury duty this week. I have to admit, I was not on the super-excited end of the scale when I got the notice, but was also not of the mind to 'try to get out of it'.

The story goes like this...
There were about 50 people who had been called in. We all assembled in a big room and watched a video about how jury duty works in Colorado. Then we were all escorted to a courtroom where 25 of us were selected at random to sit in the jury box and in extra chairs lined up in front of the jury box. We were collectively asked a bunch of questions by the judge and people were dismissed and replacement people put in their seats. Next, we were each asked to answer a list of questions in front of everyone else (name, age, education, where/how employed, how long have we lived in Colorado/Boulder County, hobbies, what we watch on TV/listen to on the radio). Then the prosecutor and defense attorney took turns questioning each of us. Then they made their selections about who not to include by having a paper with our names shuttled back and forth between them. When the list of 13 was read, and my name was on the list. There were 13 of us, 12 plus one alternate. We didn't know who the alternate was, so we all were treated and acted equally. After jury selection, we were released for a lunch break and the trial began after lunch. We heard testimony and saw evidence for 3 days, and the case ended late morning on Thursday. We were told we were not allowed to discuss the case with each other or with anyone else to keep us from forming opinions or being influenced by anyone.

We found out who the alternate was right before we went into deliberations. We were in deliberations for several hours. Some of the counts we discussed for a very long time, and even sent a question back to the judge. I feel we really were starting with the belief of innocence until proven guilty. The whole process of trial by jury is so fascinating...that 12 strangers could be randomly brought together to try to fairly determine whether or not the prosecutor has adequately demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty.

It was a very interesting experience, I learned a lot, and I feel really good about our judicial system after having been a part of it. I am really in love with this crazy country I live in. The defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof is on the prosecution, and they must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A reasonable doubt is a doubt which would make a reasonable person to hesitate to act in matters of great importance. Wow. The system of trial by jury is really something to be proud about.