Today, I have jury duty.
I didn’t try to get out of it. I really don’t have an excuse. I do have a class to teach tomorrow night in Oxford and I hope I can make that. Otherwise, I’m going to do my civic duty. And if I get picked, I’m going to talk about the experience.
I called the number last night and the pleasant recording said that I have to report to the Courthouse at 8:30. I can’t bring my cell phone, my gun or my purse. I’m most upset about not bringing my phone. I have a lot of business I could attend to while sitting around. And I can live without my gun or my purse for the day.
People watching will be on the docket. And so will observing. I’m going to jot down notes and look for the absurd. I’ll also try to avoid contempt of court charges. I’ll probably do a caricature of a judge or two before it is over.
I once sat on a grand jury for six months. That was fascinating. I learned that we all basically live on the set of the Jerry Springer Show. I also learned the magic behind how to make meth. It was a good experience. I served with good people.
I’m wearing my “I believe in the Death Penalty” T-shirt today. Think that will help?
As a retired court reporter, if you did want to get out of jury duty and if you really owned such a t-shirt, you would be dismissed when you walked in the door. Know that your comment was tongue-in-cheek, people like you would be wonderful jurors, we need more Marshall Ramseys.
Most comments I make are tongue-in-cheek. But thank you.