Late last year, I got a jury duty summons. On the first day of jury selection, the judge said the criminal trial was unique. It was going to be long (ended up roughly 4 weeks) and would require 2 jury's. She knew that no one wanted to be there, but gave an impassioned speech...
I wish I could remember word for word what the judge said, but basically she said there was nothing more important that a citizen could do than sit on a jury. It's what helps make our democracy function. Our courts our laws, and our freedom depend on them...
This impeachment trial could not be more different. The rules, the proceedings, everything about it is different. That's by design. That's how it is supposed to be. And I understand that. It's not a criminal case. It's much bigger than that....
But with that said, the trial I was involved kidnapping, prostitution, human trafficking, and rape to name a few. It had witnesses, evidence. It took four weeks. As jurors, we could not dictate the rules or speed up the trial. We could not declare our opinions, to ANYONE.
And we certainly could not speak with or coordinate with the defendants or their legal teams. It was a long four weeks. But I would remind myself of what the judge said: sitting on a jury is the most important act a citizen can perform...
Why is this being rushed thru? Why are no new witnesses allowed? No new testimony? Why is the White House and various appointees allowed to ignore subpoenas? Why is an impeachment trial involving high crimes and obstruction, given less time than a criminal trial in LA?
I wish these senators could have heard the speech I heard in that courtroom. I wish these senators would take this opportunity to uphold the constitution and hold Trump accountable for his actions. But regardless as to the outcome of this important moment in our history...
It should be our plan to hold THEM accountable for THEIR actions and remind them that an election is just around the corner. Not only that, but that History also will judge them, their actions, and their personal integrity.
Also, fun part of the story, i was the 3rd alternate on that jury. So I didnt even get to deliberate. I sat there every day. For four weeks. Couldnt read a book in court. Couldnt pass notes. I may have done some doodling on the 99 pages of notes I took though
