Jurors

Really now, you thought I wouldn’t weigh in?

OK, there is a criminal justice system in this country. For the most part, it fair. I’m not going to comment on George Zimmerman or Trayvon Martin. I didn’t know them. I wasn’t there. I’m not a cop. I didn’t watch the entire trial on TV and I wasn’t in the courtroom during the trial and I didn't witness the crime. Therefore, my opinion of guilt or innocence would be based on whatever I hear or read in the news.

It’s my understanding however, that originally, George Zimmerman was not held or arrested for the murder of Trayvon Martin. That occurred because of public outcry – which was solely based on race. I don’t care (metaphorically) what the rules are, but if you murder someone, even in self defense, you should have to go downtown. The police did in fact cuff and escort Mr. Zimmerman to the police station, where they questioned him thoroughly. Eventually, no charges were pressed because it was clear to the police that it was self defense.

OK, no comments on the trial from me. Remember, I wasn’t there.

Before I go any further…what happened was a tragedy. A young man lost his life. Another man will bear that knowledge for the rest of his.

So now we’re to the jury deliberation and the verdict. Not guilty. The system was served. Obviously not everyone is going to like the verdict. Every trial everywhere is just like that. Some happy people, some, not so much.

This morning I read that they are offering counseling to the jurors. I think that’s a terrific idea. They’ll need it! Now we’re to the part where I can speak from experience. Several years ago I was picked for a jury on an attempted murder trial. I wouldn’t want to do it again and on my way home on my last day at the courthouse, I cried. It was a release. It had been stressful. It was tough. I was glad to have severed on a jury and it was really interesting to see firsthand, how things work. Then the trial was over and the judge gave us our instructions. Let me say here, unless you’re in the court room, the public really has no idea what the judge’s instructions are. Those weigh heavily on the juror. Sometimes they can be the deciding factor. Then there’s the definition of the law. Also, pretty dicey. You would think it’s pretty clear cut, a definition. It’s not. You have to talk about it…a lot. My jury was released for deliberation at about 10:00am. We didn’t leave that room. If we needed to use the restroom, we were escorted to and from. We finally reached our verdict at about 3:00. When the verdict was read, the courtroom was packed. There were a dozen Sheriffs in the room as well. The halls were packed. Local media was everywhere. The verdict was read – not guilty – we were released and taken to a back room. About 30 minutes later, the judge came in and thanked us and asked us if we had any question about the trial. We all talked for another 30 minutes or so. We waited to leave. Finally the bailiff came in with a couple Sheriffs and told us they were going to escort us out “the back way” because of the media etc. Geesh! It’s a serious burden, to decide on the fate of another human being. To top it off, the State Prosecutor, whom I had A LOT of respect for at the time, told the media the next day that he was very disappointed in the verdict and the jurors. I was crushed and angry! He should of tried the case. I can’t even imagine how the Zimmerman/Martin jurors feel! They have to deal with a whole country's emotions! They did the job their state asked of them and it wasn't easy for them.

Think about that.

And the next time you get a notice for jury duty – go. You might be sorry but you won’t regret it.