JURY DUTY

Back in 1994 I received a notice to appear for jury duty.  I was happy.  I went with great expectations.  Fortunately, I was on a dialysis shift that started at 6PM.  I didn't mention to the powers that be that I was even on dialysis because well, was it their business?  No.  After spending all morning doing whatever it was the hundred or so of us did, I finally made it to the jury box with eleven other candidates.  That's where I made my mistake.  We were asked if any of us were related to anyone in law enforcement.  When it was my turn to answer I asked if they meant alive or dead.  I heard tittering.  Eyebrows were raised.   Fine.  I got the boot.  And for what?  Was I making a little joke?  No.  My cousin was a deputy but isn't with us anymore so did that count?  I didn't know. 

More than half of the people in my group wanted to be excused.  I wanted to serve.  I wrote a letter suggesting that they first ask the whole pool who wants to be on jury duty and let those who want to serve, serve unless they are totally out in left field. I never got an answer; they must have thought I was out there in left field and not catching the ball.

However, they didn't put me in a "Don't ever, ever call her again for jury duty" file.  Lo and behold I was called again this summer.  Now, though, I am on days and can't serve and had to prove it to boot.  Fine.