Okay gang, time to tap the vast knowledge base that is my LJ Friend’s list.
I’ve got a summons for jury duty for Thursday, and I’ve been instructed to
call on Wednesday night to see if I have to show.
Questions:
1) How does this work? If I call and they don’t need me, is it over? Or
do I have to call the next day, and next, etc. until they need me?
b) If they need me, what happens then? Should I bring a couple books and
be prepared for a lot of sitting around until my number is called? Do I
plan to be out for a couple days or more? Will I need a supply of trail
mix?
iii) If it ends up being a murder trial of a famous celebrity, what’s the
best way to hide my notes for my eventual novelization?
I don’t know. The one time I have been called for jury duty in Dekalb county I had to call a number that morning. My name was listed, so I went in. Sat for an hour or so, then in with a group to be interviewed by the attorneys and the judge. Two minute interview and I was dismissed.
Two minute interview and I was dismissed.
This surprises me not at all.
Jury
I have done jury duty for DeKalb county. Does the back of your paper say anything? I believe that if they don’t need you that day, you are free. I think the recorded message will be specific. You may want to look at the website to make sure.
Lots of sitting around, or, I hear, standing around. You might get there early to get a good seat. Trail mix would be good. Books, good. You might bring some headphones, even if you don’t bring a Walkman, depending on how you feel about the general public. You might get into/overhear conversations that belong in your novel.
I was chosen once, and I was busy for one (mostly) interesting day. I think it’s basically the luck of the draw how long you might be out for. Or, as curt_holman said recently (on the radio, no less), you could wear your Che Guevara t-shirt and be home by noon.
How good are you at memorizing hours of dialogue? (That’s a joke– I have surmised that you are an actor fellow.)
Re: Jury
Or, as curt_holman said recently (on the radio, no less), you could wear your Che Guevara t-shirt and be home by noon.
Brilliant.
How good are you at memorizing hours of dialogue? (That’s a joke– I have surmised that you are an actor fellow.)
Terrible. I am actually an improvisor which, of course, is an actor who can’t remember lines.
The only time I’ve gotten a summons, I called the evening before and was told they didn’t need me, and I was done.
Here’s hoping.
Jury Dutaaayyyy!
es, in my experience, call the number and you’re done if you are lucky enough to be rejected. If chosen, there are ethical issues to consider. Backpack full of survival stuff (fruit, water, books, etc.) is a must.
I worked for some doctors and consulted them before responding to my last summons. I offered the idea of going filthy dirty in overalls, muttering to myself, and pouring a mini bottle of bourbon on myself just before entering the building. They suggested that a more sure fire way of being rejected is to wear a nice suit, some professional looking stuff to do, and be too eager to participate.
My only other thought is that if the professional look does not get you kicked out of the interview, talk like you belong in some Dave Chapelle skit and use the word ‘ bitches’ a lot.
Re: Jury Dutaaayyyy!
My only other thought is that if the professional look does not get you kicked out of the interview, talk like you belong in some Dave Chapelle skit and use the word ‘bitches’ a lot.
So, just act natural then? Got it.
No, wait… I thought you typed britches. Never mind.
It depends on the message when you call in.
In Gwinnett, I had both a “you’re not needed anymore” and a “call again tomorrow” message at different times.
If you do go in, bring a book or something, as you may be there for a long time, or perhaps they’ll let you out early. i’ve had both of those happen too.
Gwinnett has a very small jury pool.
Gwinnett has a very small jury pool.
Smaller now, eh?
have done this in Fulton and DeKalb, here’s what I’ve gleaned:
be prepared to be there aaaaaaaaallll day long, hopefully you’ll have the option of sitting much of the time so you can read or doze
most of the people who work at the courthouse can be really nice if you’re nice, too; be sure and talk about your kid if you get a chance
bring food and drink and lots of reading material
when they ask you about your opinions/beliefs, be brutally frank; depending on how you answer, of course, this can enliven things considerably.
The last time I went in DeKalb, I ended up in a pool for a murder trial. I had both the defense and prosecution wanting me gone in a hurry, just because I really said what I thought. was the only juror out of 90-something people the judge actually spoke to, probably checking to see if I was crazy