Jury Duty, Part 1

A sign that Summer is finally here is that the sun is up far too soon for many of us.  Another sign of Summer is another jury duty notice from the Philadelphia Courts-First Judicial District of Pennsylvania.  It's the second year in a row.  It seems strange that in the 10 years that I've lived in Philadelphia I have been called for jury duty five times.  Yes, five times.

• The first time was about eight years ago.  A murder case where a cabby was murdered in a robbery by several young men in West Philadelphia.  One of the young men was on trial.  Because I had my own court hearing scheduled the following week in north Jersey, I requested to be excused because the trial was gaged to run longer than I was available .  
• The second time about a year or so later I was called upon but wasn't needed and was sent home after lunch.  However, it was around Christmas and I caught the light show in the Macy's gallery.
• The third time a few years ago was another murder case where three young men murdered a rival, possibly drugs, possibly a woman.  I don't know because I was excused by the defense.  [I have my suspicions, but it might be I was too old, too smart (MBA), too far removed from poverty and the clincher, too white.] 
• The fourth time (last year) I believe another murder case.  I was not needed again because they selected the jury before I could be interviewed and subsequently rejected. 

I have added from the Philadelphia Court website the frequently asked questions with my comments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Jury Service

Q. How did I get picked for jury service?
A:From a combined list of registered Philadelphia voters and adult licensed drivers, the required number of jurors for a particular day are randomly selected by computer and summoned to appear for jury duty.

[No wonder I keep getting called.]

Q. How often must I serve?
A:If a person serves for one or two days, they need not serve again for a period of one year. If service is for three or more days, the exemption period is three years.

Q. Why have some people never been called for jury service and I've been called more than once?
A:As mentioned earlier, selection is a random process. As such, there is always the chance that a person may never be called while another may be called several times. It is truly the "luck of the draw". However, if your name appears one way on the voter list and another way on your driver's license, your chances of being called increase. The court is not permitted to make changes to these lists.

[This explains why I never win the lottery.  I'm always winning jury duty service.]

Q. How long will I be required to serve?
A: You will be required to serve as a juror for one day or if selected to sit on a trial, you will be required to serve for the length of that trial.

Q. Will I get paid for serving as a juror?
A: Yes. Jurors are paid $9.00 per day for the first three days of jury service and $25.00 per day for every day thereafter. You will receive a check at the end of your jury service.

[Woo-hoo!  I'm rich, bitches.]

Q. Does my employer have to pay me for time missed from work due to jury service?
A:Under Pennsylvania law, an employer is not required to pay persons during their period of jury service. However, an employer may not fire you or otherwise harm you for responding to a summons.

[This sucks on so many levels.  I'm lucky.  My company pays.  But those who work hourly or for companies that just won't pay they have no incentive to want to serve.]

Q.What if the date I'm called to serve is not convenient?
A:If you have not already completed and returned your questionnaire by mail or online, you must do so. In the REMARKS section, you may state the reason you are unable to attend on your appointed date and then give us a date when you can. Only if your questionnaire has been completed and returned, can you request a postponement by using Option #2 of the automated phone system.  Postponements can be done online after completing the questionnaire. Jurors may select a new date of their choice, with some limitations. Hardship request cannot be done online and must be done by mail.

[In the end, they're going to get you.  No matter what.]

Q. What is considered an extreme hardship?
A. If not medical and/or physical, it would be lost of job wages, childcare issues and care giver for an ill parent(s). If any of the above is present, some form of verification must accompany the questionnaire. Additional questions may be directed to a Jury Selection Representative at (215) 683-7170

[The one "out" for the downtrodden, but not for me.]

Q.If I am excused by the voice response system, when will I have to report again?
A:If you are excused through the juror call in voice response system, you will be handled as though you reported for duty, which means you will not be required to serve again for at least 12 months.

[A temporary reprieve.]

Q.What if I fail to return the questionnaire or report for service?

A:You may be required to appear in court and you could be held in contempt and fined. However, by making jury service as flexible as possible, we hope to avoid using this power.

[This one they stressed upon our arrival.  And they were serious about the punishment.  If you don't comply, they will find you, fine you and/or toss your ass in jail right next to the asshole that you probably would have had to sit on a jury for.

Q. Can I bring my cell phone, laptop, or other electronic device into the courthouse?

A: You may bring your laptop, I-Pod, tablet computer, and your cellular telephone to the Jury Assembly Room on the day of your service. However, all electronic devices are to be turned off in the courtrooms unless otherwise instructed by court staff.

[The one saving grace in this whole nightmarish affair.]

Q.What should I wear?
A:Casual attire should be worn as long as it is in keeping with the dignity of court proceedings. Ties are not required. Slacks, sport shirts, and casual dresses are all appropriate.

This last one is what I'd like to address.

Some Philadelphians either do not own mirrors or refuse to use them and also can't read.  But if you look at your ensemble and ask yourself would this outfit be more suited for a picnic, barbecue or the shore, then most likely it's not suitable for the court.  I saw people in shorts, t-shirts and flip flops.  Totally unacceptable.  Grow up and get dressed.  I saw jeans, t-shirts with sneakers.  It's a little better but not by much.  One guy was wearing a "wife-beater."  Really?  Another guy was wearing a t-shirt with a depiction of the two-fingered peace sign.  Probably wouldn't get selected if it was death penalty case.  

I don't expect people to put on their "Sunday Best" as if anyone goes to church in suits anymore.  But I believe you have something clean and a little more dressy in your closet.  There were several people properly dressed.  Myself: business casual black slacks, red collared sport shirt and black shoes.  An outfit I typically wear to work.  Perfectly acceptable.  Some women wore business suits and sun dresses.  Very acceptable.  But the young lady that took the prize was the one that looked like she was going clubbing.  She wore a tank top midriff t-shirt (with bare middle), capri slacks and high heel shoes similar to below.  The next time I saw her she had added a long sleeve dress shirt over her midriff exposing T.  She must have had that in her suitcase sized purse.

If I was a guilty person, I would want a trial by jury.  With the caliber of jagoffs Philadelphia serves up, I could very well get off.  As a honest and most likely innocent man, I would rather take my chances with one of our judges.  I don't think they're as douchey.

Tomorrow, Part 2.  My day at court...the fifth time.