Jury Duty

I was summoned for jury duty and I had heard that most lawyers don't like having psychologists as jurors. I'm not sure how true that is, but I was wondering if anyone else has heard this? Is it true?

The process is excruciating. I had to report by 8 AM but then we didn't get started until 10 AM. There was a humorous orientation by an assistant clerk. He must have done the speech hundreds of times, so he must have to spice it up a bit so that he doesn't fall asleep. Everyone definitely listened because his voice was very entertaining. Think game show prize announcer, e.g. Jack Pardo.

I couldn't help but think about how I was going to get out of jury duty. It's sad that I am a sensible and knowledgeable person, perfect for a jury, yet I don't want to be inconvenienced. So many people feel this way. If most people hate the idea of jury duty and do what they can to get out of it, then most juries are comprised of disgruntled people that couldn't get out of it and those who have nothing better to do. This may explain some of the unbelievable acquittals that have occurred in the past, i.e. O.J., Robert Blake, etc. The assistant clerk brought up civic duty and involvement in government. He brought up the issues and protests in Iran and I felt guilty for about a minute, and then I remembered that I enjoy having the summer off.

In the end I was not selected. They found enough jurors for the trial. Summer's back on.

BBC

The End is Near

Just a few more days and it will all be over. I actually made it through all of my annual reviews unscathed. I have a few more items of paperwork to complete, but I'm closing in on the end. Unfortunately, if it's the end of school that means the children are losing it. They are falling apart in record fashion. The kids with behavior issues are coming apart at the seams, and some of the well-behaving kids are having issues. It happens every year, but it always surprises me. There's something about the prospect of spending summer at home that causes turmoil within some kids. They can't handle the lack of structure for the entire summer. I feel for them. The ones that come from terrible homes get it the worst, because school is an escape. So for the next few days I expect to get a lot of requests for help.

BBC