Juror of Last Resort

 

Brazil Times blog of February 23, 2015

Juror of Last Resort

Being on a real live jury would have to be on my “bucket list”. It something I’ve always wanted to do; and have no personal, political, or philosophical reasons to not serve.

I’ve always seen myself as Henry Fonda in the 1957 movie “12 Angry Men” fighting my closed-minded fellow jurors. The truth would come out because I stood alone in its defense. Or, something like that.

I did get called once for jury duty when we lived in St. Louis.

The court building in St. Louis is a very large structure with parking downtown minimal and nowhere near said building. Had someone drop me off at door, so only had to walk up 30 steps and take elevator to find the juror’s room on 10^th floor. By the time I got that far the clerk looked at me and said I was excused for health concerns (her concerns for me, I suspect). You’d have to see me walk more than 100 feet to understand why, and I was 20 years younger then.

Recently, though, I finally got a second chance to serve on a jury; this time in my beloved Clay County where I certainly want to do what I can to re-pay the benefits of living in Indiana.

In the mail came a very nice letter from the Clerk/Jury Administrator telling me what a “most rewarding” experience was in store for me if chosen for jury duty.

In due course I dutifully completed the enclosed questionnaire; answering “yes” where it showed what a solid citizen I am, and “no” to those items for which I might label myself a laggard.

There were, to my dismay, two questions which would certainly derail my hopes of a Henry Fonda triumph.

Question: Do you have a physical disability or condition which renders you incapable of serving as a juror?

Answer: Sorry about that, but, Yes (just ask that clerk in St. Louis)

Question: If so, is there a reasonable accommodation which the Court could provide which would allow you to serve as a juror?

Answer: Sadly, No (many have tried).

The Clerk/Jury Administrator requested a response within 7 days. I did include a note asking for consideration in this regard. I explained that between receiving their nice letter and being able to respond it had become unexpectedly incumbent on me to implement one of my surprise inspections of the Union Hospital emergency room and cardiac care facilities. But, I had gotten to their questionnaire upon ceasing to be otherwise engaged.

Last week came another letter, this time pointing out I was “required by law to attend”. As requested I called the Friday beforehand; and, yes, I would have to appear in Circuit Court.

Not willing twice to rely on the kindness of strangers, I had my family doctor, Dr. Frank Zwerner, prepare a nice, short letter explaining that jury duty was just not going to be my thing. I need not have bothered the good doctor.

As required Judge Joe Trout asked a series of questions as to citizenship, age, etc. I think it was the fifth question, something about physical inability, that Kay nudged me and said, “Raise your hand.” Neither the prosecutor nor defense attorney, both of whom know me, had any objection to my leaving.

Thus dashed was my dream of being one of twelve angry men (and women).

But, if Clay County gets absolutely desperate for jurors, as their last resort I’d give it a try. The Courthouse isn’t that big, I can rent “12 Angry Men” for a refresher course, and have memorized the number for 9-1-1.