Jury Duty

This week I had the pleasure of reporting to jury duty for the District of Columbia. And when I say pleasure I mean, I so frustrated I had to walk over to the courthouse that I wanted to cry. Things have not been easy lately. Lets just say, I've had terrible, crappy luck, and I was not up for anything to do with District of Columbia government.

So it was Tuesday, a little before 10:30 am, outside the courthouse. Everyone knows everyone! It is like the community center of DC! Instead of sharing recipes though, they are sharing stories of fine payments and days served. I am reminded why Craig and I decided against a "city hall" wedding and opted for the small church in our neighborhood. We still eloped, just in a church instead of a courtroom. One the best decisions we ever made.

Once inside, I waited in line to check-in for jury duty. I had to have my name changed. The summons was sent in my maiden name. They didn't even spell it right. The guy I dealt with was very apologetic, and was quick to blame the DMV. DC DMV is worst. I know, I know, no DMV is fun to deal with. DC is the worst though. We are still waiting for our registration refunds from when we sold our cars back in November!

I did get picked to be part of a selection group. The case: one man stabbed and killed another man. Shocker! The judge went through a series of questions, do you know any of the attorneys, do you know any of the witnesses, etc. I was able to answer affirmatively to one question: do you have any relatives or friends in law enforcement. Ding, ding, ding! I do have a friend in law enforcement! I was hoping for a question like this. This might be my way out!

After the judge called each of us into the jury room (there were about 60 of us). In the jury room I was asked what I did for work. I said, I am a stay-at-home wife (just to get a reaction). I think I got a smile out of the prosecution. I was asked why I answered affirmatively to the law enforcement question. I explained a close family friend is a cop in New Hampshire. Then the prosecution asked how long I had lived in DC for--about two years.

Hours later, it was about 4:30 pm, the judge and attorneys came out to the courtroom. The jury selection process was rather funny. They put 12 people in the jury box. The attorneys chatted, a few individuals were removed, and others put in their place. This happened about four times. I went up into the jury box, and stayed there until the last round. I couldn't help but smile when I was asked to sit in the audience.

No jury duty for me! Thank god, cause the judge said the trial would likely go for two weeks. That would be a long and boring two weeks.

So why was I not picked in the end? I really have no clue. I am guessing both sides thought I was too political, and therefore had some strong opinions. I was reading "Game Change" during the day. Most others were reading novels or the paper. I am also guessing my "stay-at-home" status put me in the "Emily Gilmore" category*. Rich lady with nothing better to do than arrange flowers, and complain about the rowdy neighbors. Ha. Whatever the case, someone didn't want me there, and I really don't care why!

I expect to be called back in two years. Hopefully by then they will have my correct name and the correct spelling of my name.

*Emily Gilmore was the rich mother of Lorelai Gilmore in the very popular series "Gilmore Girls". When Emily wasn't running the house (i.e. hiring and firing help), she attended teas and organized the family's social calendar. If you have not seen any episodes of GG, I highly recommend you record a show or two. The series now runs in syndication on the Family Channel.