I have to say that I consider it a privilege to serve on a jury. Think of all the many countries where those accused of a criminal act do not have the luxury of a trial, with a jury of their peers. I know so many people whose first reaction is to try to find a way out of reporting for jury duty, and that makes me sad. If I or someone I care about was on trial, I’d want the jury to include people other than just those who show up because they have nothing else to do with their time.
I have been summoned about half a dozen times, just once I ended up sitting around all day and getting dismissed at 3PM. Twice I sat on juries where the case was settled just before we began deliberations. And a couple of months ago, I was selected for a criminal jury, and was the foreman. I’m really glad to have done it; it’s been a really valuable experience.
My daughter, however, began receiving jury summons notices when she was 12 years old. Every year. Very strange!!
I wrote letters explaining why she was not an appropriate choice, LOL, but it kept happening. I finally had her show up at the required time and show her school ID and birth certificate to the judge. She hasn’t received a notice for a couple of years now. But now she is looking forward to serving when they summon her next.