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Thursday, July 05, 2007A Short Day In CourtMy initiation into the Williamson County court system lasted for three minutes. Of course, that doesn't include the ten minutes or so I sat in the galley with the other zombie-like citizens who didn't want to be there, either. It was like attending a wake. I don't think I've ever seen such expressionless people in my life. I was in good company. So the door finally opened and the judge announced with due grandeur: "All rise. The Honorable Judge Jeff Givens presiding." We all rose. The deputy said a few words, muttered a prayer. We were told to be seated. We all sat. The prosecution was announced and rose. The defense was...missing. "Where is the defendant?" asked the judge. Well golly gee, he never showed up. The judge fixed his gaze on the citizen-shaped statues in the galley. "Ladies and gentlemen, I know that it's a sacrifice of your time to be here. This trial has been set for a long time, and these are unforeseen circumstances. I appreciate your sacrifice to be here today, though we cannot proceed with this trial. You are all dismissed and free to go." No kidding. And the zombie crowd rose to their feet in one accord -- and suddenly there was life. Eyes became bright. Voices sounded. Muted exuberance filled the hall as we filed out of the courtroom and into freedom. These folks were alive after all. They simply had been feeling oppressed. Unwilling to sit in a courtroom all day. Just like me. I felt vindicated. I also felt incredibly happy. I have so much to do...so very, very much to do here at home. Baby Girl isn't going to wait around until I have all my ducks in a row. And I've got nine weeks to nag...ur, encourage...my husband to complete all the room-switching work that needs to be done before Birth Day. (He's down there right now installing a new ceiling fan. I love the man.) I've got to report for duty again tomorrow at nine o'clock. I don't think I'll be as lucky as I was today. But you know, the curious sector of my brain really does want to know what happens next. Three minutes in the courtroom didn't offer much enlightenment. I'll be sure to let you know. Labels: life |
About Me
I am: Mother to five stunningly individualistic children... Writer of young adult fantasy... Passionate advocate for Women At Home... Madly in love with my husband... In need of Organic Gourmet Chocolate on a regular basis. I've got a Paypal account if you'd like to contribute to the cause....
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3of my readers are feeling chatty:
I think you are a shoe-in for being dismissed. All the other jurors would say, "What if her water breaks all over my shoes?"
Tell the judge you need to get paid double because you are jurying for two.
When I had jury duty, we were allowed to request a bathroom break for emergencies. Just keep requesting and they'll get tired of you and send you on home;o)
I got lucky way back. They wanted me to come in for duty. Unfortunately (for them) I had recently moved and my new address wasn't on my driver's license.
"Thanks for your time, Thomas. We won't be needing you."
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