First up, Jury Duty. It's no secret that I love watching the live trials on CourtTV. Heck, I even had them text me the verdict in the Scott Peterson Case a few years back. Forensic Files, American Justice, The First 48....all shows I absolutely love.
So when I got a summons in the mail informing me I would soon be serving my civic duty, I was thrilled! (not so thrilled though with the thought of driving downtown by myself! one way streets scare me!) So I show up at 7:15am, park my car and made 3 friends before I even got out of the parking garage!
The majority of the people called don't even get chosen for a case, so I figured I would sit there until I was dismissed on Wednesday afternoon. But, to my surprise, they called my name! Most of the others in my group were groaning and whining, but not me....I was excited!
Fast forward to Wednesday....we listened to closing arguments and went in to deliberate. I wasn't excited any more....I was stressed and emotional. I was deciding someone's fate that day. That's heavy stuff.
Three and a half hours later, we came to an agreement. They announced the verdict...the mother of the defendant cried like a baby.....the defendant just stared a whole through the jury. The defense attorney had some pretty harsh words to say to us during his argument for the sentencing phase....though he was very quickly scolded by the judge.
I left that day with mixed feelings and tears. I know whole-heartedly believe we made the right decision, but my heart ached a bit for the defendant.....who had ample time and opportunity to turn his life around and just couldn't do it.
So, I think I can honestly say that as much as I love watching the workings of our judicial system on television, I seriously hope I never get called again.
Which brings me to my new hobby : Reading. =) I have NEVER been a big book lover and honestly hadn't read an entire book start to finish in years and years. But what else was I suppose to do while I was waiting in the courthouse?
I finished 2 books this week. (go me!) The first was a book by John Elder Robison. A memoir of his life with Asperger's Syndrome. LOVED this book. Next up was the book by Jenny McCarthy, the story of her finding our her son had autism and how she dealt with it. Also a good read.