Runester

They never even used the term voir dire once, what a rip …

So, jury duty was very interesting. I got there in plenty of time, and got to where I needed to go, etc. No problems there. We were shown an orientation video (where the word impanelment was used instead of voir dire) and then we just hung out and waited. I finished reading my book (”The Power of Intention” by Dr. Wayne Dyer) and then did a little writing in my notebook.

The other potential jurors got bored and eventually this boredom overcame anyone’s shyness and a very nice discussion group formed. We talked about all sorts of things, I got to know a little bit about six or seven of them, and they turned out to be very nice people! After lunch break, I expected more waiting, but instead we were lined up and marched into a Superior Court room and voir dire began!

Though people were relaxed and friendly, and cracking jokes after lunch … being in a court room and seeing a defendant who’s life would be seriously affected by who got chosen as juror’s and what decisions they made … immediately sobered everyone up. The judge explained the rules, and told us a little bit about the case - it was a criminal case, with one man charged with one count of "Assault & Battery with a deadly weapon." We were introduced to the Assistant District Attorney for the City of Worcester, to the Defendant, and to the Defense Attorney who represented him. Then, the judge began asking questions.

Long story, short: the jury was filled with fourteen (14) jurors (twelve plus two alternates) that neither the prosecutor nor the defense attorney objected to - before I was called on. The rest of us were dismissed and sent home (or, in my case, work) having satisfied the conditions of our duty.

In summary, I got to learn and experience a side of the criminal justice system that is rarely shown or explained on TV or in any civics class. I got to meet some really nice people and spend a pleasant morning doing something new and interesting. And, finally, I got to finish my Wayne Dyer book and even write down several ideas for Everway which I will be able to write up and post soon. All-in-all, I had a really great day!