Good morning!!!!

[JDgreen227]

Dave1949, just saw your post after I posted the above...I admire those who serve on juries. I got a questionnaire from my county clerk about a month ago that I returned, one of the questions was if I was able to properly serve as a juror. Although I would want to do that, my total hearing loss would prevent understanding everything spoken, and even if they wrote everything down, the inflections and emphasis given the spoken words would be lost on me. So much of what a juror must understand and analyze to render a fair opinion is dependent on what input they get. You said: "The attorneys would eyeball us...." Do tell....how does THAT mean anything? Is it fair that lawyers can judge potential jurors by appearance....????

 

[dave1949]

Dave1949, just saw your post after I posted the above...I admire those who serve on juries. I got a questionnaire from my county clerk about a month ago that I returned, one of the questions was if I was able to properly serve as a juror. Although I would want to do that, my total hearing loss would prevent understanding everything spoken, and even if they wrote everything down, the inflections and emphasis given the spoken words would be lost on me. So much of what a juror must understand and analyze to render a fair opinion is dependent on what input they get. You said: "The attorneys would eyeball us...." Do tell....how does THAT mean anything? Is it fair that lawyers can judge potential jurors by appearance....????

Not being able to hear would be a real problem, I agree, and a valid reason for not being able to be a good juror I think. I could hear well enough with the receiver, and of course you can see the body language and facial expressions.

Good question regarding the ethical aspects of the "eyeballing." I suppose from the DA's practical perspective, they want to choose people who look like they will show up on time through the trial. Beyond that, I don't know what the strategy may be. I suppose lawyers learn such things with experience, get vibes from people? I didn't really have time to make any observations about the selected jury members to see what qualities they may have in common, or not.

I don't know how far in advance of the selection day the attorneys know the names & addresses of the jury pool. Given enough time and effort, they could assemble some sort of profile from public records and voter lists. I doubt much of that happens in a run-of-the-mill case. Anybody know?

 

[Larro Darro]

Larro, I was selected for the jury. The trial starts June 16th if it goes forward and no deal is cut. I did take a book along, which they suggested in the notification letter. I thought I may not hear well enough to be able to do that, but they have wireless receivers with earphones tied into the PA system which worked well.

They had about 60-70 people there for selection, which was an interesting process in itself. That number was cut at least in half after the law enforcement/family/social services people, anyone who experienced sexual or domestic abuse, knew the accused or victims or their lawyer, or the DA, knew or worked for other jury members, yada yada.

The judge also asked if anyone was a member of the Sovereign Citizens Movement: Sovereign Citizens movement responsible for Or, a member of Real Justice Now -- I believe it was called.


The last step was each remaining potential juror was asked to stand one at a time when their number was called such that the attorneys could eyeball us.

Our district judge is on the Civic Center board of directors, so he is one of my bosses. Not sure if he will be the judge for the trial they are working on or not. But when my boss had jury duty they ask her if she knew any of the lawyers and what not. She said, "I was raised next door to the defense attorney, and went to school with the prosecuting attorney, and the judge is my boss." They ask her if any of that would influence her. When she said no, they picked her. I wouldn't mind getting picked, but I have a Doctor's appointment the next day. After waiting a year to schedule my six month's check up, I may have to miss it.

Larro

 

[dave1949]

Our district judge is on the Civic Center board of directors, so he is one of my bosses. Not sure if he will be the judge for the trial they are working on or not. But when my boss had jury duty they ask her if she knew any of the lawyers and what not. She said, "I was raised next door to the defense attorney, and went to school with the prosecuting attorney, and the judge is my boss." They ask her if any of that would influence her. When she said no, they picked her. I wouldn't mind getting picked, but I have a Doctor's appointment the next day. After waiting a year to schedule my six month's check up, I may have to miss it.

Larro

Yeah, the judge asked that "influence your decision" question here too. It's hard to keep track of a room full of people, but my impression was the law enforcement-related people were eliminated, probably by the defense attorney. I believe Maine law allows an unlimited number of juror eliminations.

I don't mind serving on a jury--well I say that with no prior experience. :laughing: I see it as a sort of civic duty we should perform in case the day comes when we need the services of a jury.

It's usually not a big imposition for a retired person who can shift their activities around. There are not many time-critical things in my life these days. My next scheduled activity is June 10th, primary elections in Maine. I will be the poll warden 7:30 am to 2 pm, and go back and help count votes after the polls close. It's a tough life. :laughing:

 

[300UGUY]

I went thru jury selection twice, never got selected, never got called again. The 1st time, the public defender was a guy I went to college with. The prosecutor saw us talking in the loby before the selection, and had me thrown out, 3 times, for 3 different trials. I was dissapointed, since I was working under a union contract that got me paid, and I wouldn't have a 100 mile round trip commute for the trial. The 2nd time, I was called for federal court, I wasn't selected, and I don't know why.

 

[dave1949]

If a person serves on a Maine Superior Court jury, they can ask to be excused from Superior Court jury duty for the following five years, if called.

 

[RoyJackson]

2014-06-07, 0446

44 right now and should see 80 degrees today...going to be a nice day. I have a few chores this morning (home tax assessment appeal, get new blades for my RFM and an oil filter for the Gator) then a few hours at work.
I need to stack that cord of firewood that was delivered last Sunday...I guess that will have to be a Sunday job.

 

[daugen]

Roy, why are we up so early on a Sat morning?
even on Saturdays I guess we start thinking about all the things to do...
wish I knew how to turn over and go back to sleep.

supposed to be a beautiful weekend, here, getting a new truck today, a Ram 3500 diesel dually, and that should suck up most of the day. I planted three flats of annuals yesterday, and might work on another one if I stop at a nursery on the way home.

 

[RoyJackson]

Roy, why are we up so early on a Sat morning?

Weekdays I'm up about 0330, so I reckon that's my rhythm...not my preference.

 

[WayneB]

56 degrees and heading into the low 80’s today!
working on finishing up lawnmower two today, new motor it is an older John Deere JS63C and does a great job on the lawn areas where the riding mower won’t go.
One for here and one for up at camp. Oh and the lawns need mowing twice a week during these times.