Blog 3280 – 10.25.2024

Jury Duty

The last ten or so years of my working life before I retired almost three years ago, I spent most of that time on the road working contract assignments around the country. I not only was not home to vote, but I was also unavailable for jury duty. Back then the exemption age for jury duty listed on the summons was sixty-five. They have raised the age to seventy-five so I have one year and almost a month before I can claim that exception.

At nine a.m. I am to report for possible jury selection for the City of Houston Municipal Courts. I have gone and was even selected to serve on a Houston Municipal Court jury in the past. The cases usually are about traffic violations or accidents where individuals or insurance companies are being sued for damages. The case I was on was interesting and so I am hoping that if I am selected today that it was also be an interesting case to consider.

The right to a trial before a jury of our peers is guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and it is an important one. Many prefer to have such decisions rendered by a jury of their peers rather than a judge who it most cases is a former prosecutor in the legal system, an educated lawyer with more of an elite point of view. Even juries do not always get it right, yet it is uncanny how often they reach a more equitable and just decision.

On Monday I exercised my franchise, I voted. Today I exercise another responsibility as a citizen to help keep our justice system more just. Both duties are important in keeping America great.

Your friend and fellow traveler,

David White