Serving Bread

Last Monday night, I found out that I had to report to court on Tuesday morning for Jury Duty. I have always wanted to be selected, and you would think that I would have been glad to go. But not this time. Maybe there is never a good time to do my civic duties, but when I’m the primary care-giver to my daughter, it is an inconvenience. (The court only gives postponements not excuses for child care issues)

After our orientation, we went to the courtroom where the Judge welcomed us and explained the importance of our process. She was, surprisingly, inspirational. She excused us early and asked us to return the following day for the jury selection process. But before she excused the 70-some jurors, she asked to talk to about 30 of us individually.

When I was called into the court, she asked me whether I could afford to take time off work to do a 12 day trial. I explained the nature of my work (very flexible hours with most of my “work” being in the evenings), so I suppose it could work. However, I did explain to her that my personal life made it more difficult to serve. I explained to her that I can’t take a postponement since baby #2 will be here in the next three months.

She said to me, “I am concerned of your child-care issues. I am going to grant you an excuse. However, the next time you are summoned, I expect you to serve.” She thanked me for my services for the day and asked that I not talk to anyone as I leave the court. I got credit for serving (which means I don’t have to serve for the next 12 months). I was expecting bureaucracy at its worst, and I discovered a cordial and efficient system of governance.  I think I would enjoy serving when I’m called upon again–as long as it doesn’t interfere with my personal and work life

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