Jury Duty Military - I get up at 7:00 a.m. on a typical NYC Monday morning for jury duty. I've been drafted before (three times actually) but never served (I moved two once across the state) or unable to serve (I left the country and asked for a postponement) . My new jury summons letter arrived a week before I was due in court - on the date I remembered listed on my previous nomination form. This time I did not delay.
The purpose of this blog post is to share an account of my first experience with jury duty, which took place in New York City. I spent a lot of time googling information about what to expect, how long the process will take, how many extensions are allowed, etc. And while I have a general feeling, what I want is something more detailed. Therefore, what I hope to share here is a detailed map of my encounters and thoughts while serving my jury duty. I apologize in advance for the lack of photos - photography is strictly prohibited on the grounds of the court. However, I tried to catch as many eyes as possible and recorded my observations by hand in my planner.
Jury Duty Military
This is the number on my claim letter. I called this number on the date listed (since my jury duty starts on Monday, I called on Friday). I listened to a pre-recorded message about what to expect: I should Will plan to get 3 full days from 9-17; But if I am selected for the case, my jury duty will last longer than 3 Today. The specific period depends on the nature of the proceedings.
Harris County Jury Summons
The recorded message also instructed me to bring a pen (blue or black ink) and my demand letter. It was also suggested that I fill out the required information on the subpoena before arriving. There will be free Wifi to have a laptop.
Many people are here on jury duty. I'm glad I got here on time, which was 15 minutes earlier. Went through the metal detector (I took my morning drink through the detector but had to remove my watch), went up to the 3rd floor (although half went up to the 11th floor) and managed to get a seat on the bench, while waiting. For the jury conference room will be open.
There are people here from all backgrounds. Even a cute old dog goes with its owner. Maybe a service dog? In any case, people brought breakfast, coffee to go, books to read, computers to work on, phones to browse, forms to fill out. People keep coming. Now they stand in front of the wall and stare at the windowsills. Yes, glad I came early.
Outside the wide window stood a dry tree. After all, it is winter. I appreciate the vast landscape – it's a sunny day and the buildings are shining. I count squirrels. One, two, three anyway. They are a source of movement and time passing for me while I wait.
Have You Received A Jury Duty Questionnaire?
I looked at my watch. 4 minutes to 9 am. I still have more than half of my vanilla chai from Dunkin' to drink (this has been my drink of choice throughout my 5 years of teaching; I would survive my 50 minute morning commute without it). I wonder if I should use the bathroom before entering. So where is the bathroom?
The door opened immediately. We entered a large room with three aisles of cushioned seats. In front of it is a large wooden table where the court officials are sitting. She addressed us with a microphone. She gave an overview of the day, read the criteria that would disqualify us as jurors (such as: not a US citizen, not a New York resident, committed a felony, served in the last 4 years, cannot speak or understand English, currently a student and so on. therefore cannot be used now, etc.).
I decided to stay even though I was a full-time student. Classes don't start until next week for me, so I decided to risk serving and hope I wasn't selected for a tryout. And if I'm elected, I hope the trial won't last more than a week... If I leave the room (they send you to 60 Center Street, room 139 to reschedule), I know I'll have to reschedule again, and what time will I come?
Is a student. From Reddit threads (here, here, and here) I learned that it is best to earn instead of procrastinating.
Sahm And Jury Duty...
We watched a short video that was definitely out of date when it referred to MySpace as a "social site." It was meant to be serious, but I think half the people in the room found it entertaining. The association also has a great sense of humor, which I appreciate. I loved the part of her "speech" about the machine in the room not cooperating at times and that she would allow us to shake the machine if our snacks were not delivered. She also mentioned that she would leave a large supply of magazines "for jurors from jurors." It's quite a bonding experience, I think.
After a while, the staff had us line up as our last names were called (first A to L, then M to R, and finally S to Z). Having recently changed my name (I had to note it in the call sheet - Section C and E), I ran last. At this point, we gave in our sections C and E in the call and received information cards to fill in (in pencil or blue or black ink). We keep the top part of the summons "as a souvenir" and one of the jury cards for our journal (for personal use).
We get a bonus break until 10:30. For this break we do not have to leave the room and can leave the jury room and even the building. For all other breaks we are allowed to take our own time (15 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes) by leaving our name and time (there is a clipboard for this). The idea was that if we were called when we were on leave, we wouldn't be labeled "AWOL" (a military term, I guess). I took a bathroom break during the bonus break just in case.
Inside the grand jury room on the 3rd floor, there are 3 smaller rooms with multiple seating options. For a break I decided to go into a smaller room with a public table where I can work. There is a TV screen (closed), along with a chair along the wall and a couple of electrical outlets.
What Happens If I Don't Show Up For Jury Duty In West Palm Beach?
First jury summons. Those in the small room were asked to enter the big room so that we could announce our presence. If we are called by name. I think about 40 names were called. I can't follow because I know my own name. Those who are called are told to say "here" in a "loud voice" and take all the things and enter the hall, take the yellow card and wait for instructions. I didn't get a call, so I went back to the small room. Not sure what to make of this.
The next call came before lunch. This is considered a "small call" by the 16 people in the room. The instructions are different this time. After the name is called, the person is asked to go to the front, take the questionnaire and the seat number (1-16). The seat number is for the jury box in the back room at the front of the courtroom. It appears that this is for small cases that require less jurors? Again I didn't get a call at this point, so I went back to the small room with my stuff and settled down again. I almost fell asleep listening to the New Yorker article on my iPad when the announcement of A small call was made. I returned to the same article after a round of checking email on my phone.
The third call came quickly and unexpectedly 15 minutes later. I gathered my things and entered the conference room to hear my name called. There was a long roll call this time and the direction was to go to the entrance and collect the yellow card from the officer at the door and wait for instructions. This is another big call. I waited with anticipation. The name "Catherine" was called, but it was not my last name. I was a little excited. The call ends and my name is still not called. I went back to my little room. At this point, the room looks and feels alien, too
Military drone range, laser range finder military, military range bags, military range targets, long range military radio, military radio range, military range finder, military long range binoculars, range rover military discount, military range rover, range of military drones, military range bag
0 Comments